Methods, apparatus, and system for using filler cells in design of integrated circuit devices

An apparatus for providing a design for an integrated circuit device, the apparatus comprising:

• a design module adapted to:
• place a first functional cell on a circuit layout;
• determine a first characteristic of a vertical boundary of said first functional cell;
• select a first filler cell from a plurality of filler cells based upon said first characteristic;
• and
• place said first filler cell adjacent to said first functional cell to provide an electrical isolation between said first filler cell and said first functional cell for providing a first contiguous active area on said circuit layout.

A system, comprising:

• a design module adapted to:
• place a first functional cell on a circuit layout;
• determine a first characteristic of a vertical boundary of said first functional cell;
• select a first filler cell from a plurality of filler cells based upon said first characteristic;
• and
• place said first filler cell adjacent to said first functional cell to provide an electrical isolation between said first filler cell and said first functional cell for providing a first contiguous active area on said circuit layout;
• a semiconductor device processing system for fabricating an integrated circuit device based upon said circuit layout;
• and
• a processing controller operatively coupled to said semiconductor device processing system, said processing controller configured to control an operation of said semiconductor device processing system.