Rule decks for design rule checking, layout versus schematic and related physical checks that encode the design rule manual and device recognition so that layouts can be verified automatically.
Design data Work product in the Process technology (node) lifecycle and the Process design kit (PDK) development lifecycle
It is how the rule manual is enforced on every design. Inaccurate decks pass illegal layouts that fail in the fab, flag legal layouts that are then waived carelessly, and pass their errors on to the libraries built on them.
The full lifecycle detail, with its charts, flows, tables and every section, is for registered members. Registration is free and takes a minute. You come back to this page afterwards.