CIC 訓練課程(A205)

Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

Training Manual

國家晶片系統設計中心
Jan. 2002

91/01 1 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 課程大綱

☛ Introduction of Mixed-Signal Simulation

☛ Using Analog Artist Environment for Mixed-Signal Design
☛ Layout Integration and Verification for Mixed-Signal Design
☛ Post-Layout Simulation for Mixed-Signal Design

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Introduction of Mixed-Signal Simulation

Why Mixed-Signal Simulation?

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 What’s in a System?

System Software
Environment
Zone 4: Global
Satellite
Embedded Software
Zone 3: Suburban Zone 2: Urban
Zone 1: In-Building
µP/C
Micro-Cell Pico-Cell
Analog
Macro-Cell
Embedded
SoC Systems Design
Memory

SoC IP
Based Design Firmware

CORE

PCB
Design
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 System in the Real World
Analog is the Real
Sensor
Transmission Actuators
Media
Cable,fiber
antenna
Display
VLSI Image
Power
Source Digital System

Storage Media
Disks, Audio I/O
Tapes

Analog World A/D

Interface
Source Ref : P. R. Gray

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 Mostly Applied Method of
Mixed-Signal Design
Analog

LNA Signal processing

Sensor
Filter
A/D D/A Amp Actuator
computation

Digital Block

系統分割成數顆晶片，每顆晶片分開設計，再經電路板整合。
為確保系統運作之正確，晶片間之界面規格需經嚴謹之定義。

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 Integration Pushes the Need of
Mixed-Signal Design

LNA Signal processing

Sensor
Filter
A/D D/A Amp Actuator
computation

Analog chip

Analog block block Chip Boundary

LNA Signal processing

Sensor
Filter
A/D D/A Amp Actuator
computation

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 Benefit of Integration

• Push the limit of system performance

Reduce parasitic
Reduce I/O driving loads
Exploit design space between blocks
• Push the limit of power dissipation
Reduce parasitic loads
Reduce I/O driving currents
• Reduce the system size

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 Challenge of Integration

• High design complexity

Capacity and Efficiency of EDA tool
Different design knowledge
• Increasing process complexity
• Signal coupling prevention
Signals getting closer
Signals might be virtually connected
• Signal noise isolation
Isolation between noisy circuit and sensitive circuit

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 Conventional Mixed-Signal Design
System simulation
Approach
partition and spec. definition

Digital Blocks Analog Blocks

De-efficiency of the conventional approach
Circuit Design/ • The analog / digital design processes
Digital Simulation
are almost independent, lack of
Design Flow horizontal link
layout Design/ • The spec. of analog circuit might be
Verification over-specified for ensuring correctness
of system integration
• Hard of analog/MS block reuse
Layout Integration
evaluation
Verification

Transistor level
post simulation
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 Conventional Design Concept for
Analog Block

Problem of Flow :
Block Definition • Lack of good block description
which reflect the complete block
Circuit Design characteristics for system simulation
• No efficient translator available for
proceeding to the next level
Layout Design • No good methodology to check the
validation of lower level design

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 Top Down Design Concept in
Simulation & Refine
Digital Domain
Design Format
* At each level, the designed system is
System Level
Design/Simulation C/SPW/Matlab simulated to verify the correctness of
functionality and performance before
Behavioral Level proceeding to the next level.
C/VHDL/Verilog
Design/Simulation * Tools can be used for the translation
of one level to the next level, for
RTL Design/Simulation VHDL/Verilog example: Behavioral Synthesis, Logic
Synthesis, Automatic Place & Route.
* With higher level of abstraction and
Logic Synthesis
automation, large system can be
designed efficiently.
Logic Level/ Simulation VHDL/Verilog/EDIF
Front end design
Layout Design LEF/DEF Back end design
Post layout Verification GDS2

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 Digital Model Abstraction
Digital model maintain the abstraction of system working with
discrete events and discrete signal.
System Level
Describe the behavior of entire systems, might include probability analysis.
Behavioral Level
Describe the behavior of blocks of a system, little or no detail on the structure
implementation. To prove the basic concepts of the system.
Register Transfer Level
Describe the structure of blocks. Basic components are data storage and
operations operate on the stored data.
Gate Level
The circuit is described in terms of a set of primitives--Boolean logic with
timing data. Timing of individual signal paths can be verified.
Switch Level
The digital logic gates are described in terms of switches -- simplified versions
of transistor, detailed timing can be analyzed.
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 Mixed-Signal Design Flow
系統階層設計模擬 SPW BONeS

Visual Architect

RT Level設計模擬 Verilog-XL HDL Debugger

0.35 Cell Library

Logic Synthesis Design-Compiler Compass(Core)
Tsmc(I/O)

Gate Level設計模擬 Verilog-XL

電路階層設計模擬 Composer/S-Edit Silicon Ensemble

Hspice, SBTspice, Dracula

佈局階層設計驗證
Spectre,Tspice RC Extraction

Dracula
佈局後驗證模擬 TimeMill
RC Extraction

光罩製作
Tapeout
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 Mixed-Signal Top Down Design Flow
System simulation SPW/Matlab

Partition
Digital Blocks Analog Blocks

RTL Design Block Design

Synthesis ?
MS Circuit Design
Synthesis Simulator

Gate Netlist Layout Design

SDF RC
Extraction Extraction

P&R
Layout Integration

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 Enabling the Top-Down Design

• Behavioral Description Language for Analog/MS Block

• Modeling technique for the Designed Block
• Simulation Capability of handling Behavioral Description
• Simulation Capability of handling Mixed Level simulation
• Simulation Capability of handling Analog/Digital Design

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 Analog Model Abstraction
Circuit level Macro Model Analog Behavioral
+ VSUPPLY

module opamp (vout, vin_p, vin_n );

inout vin_p , vin_n;
- - in output vout;
electrical vin_p, vin_n, vout;
+
Rd ed +
vin - -A ed analog begin
-

+ + in I(vin_p) <+ 0.0;

I(vin_n) <+ 0.0;
V(vout) <+ V(vin_p, vin_n ) *Av;
end
endmodule
- VSUPPLY

Compromising between Accuracy and Complexity

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 Top-Down Design Methodology
Top-Down Design Methodology
The methodology consists of up-front design and verification of
the architecture before creating detailed designs of blocks

Mixed-Level Simulation
With the aims to :
One or some blocks at detailed level Improve simulation efficiency
Abstract models for remaining blocks Reduce design iterations
Analog HDL Digital HDL
Analog Schematic
Low Pass
Filter
DSP

vtone ADC

Analog Layout
Analog Behavior
Power
Amplifier diapragm

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 What Can Be Expected with
Mixed-Signal Simulation
• Verify the system behavior is correct
• Verify the system requirement is met
• Verify the system performance is satisfied
• Evaluate if certain block architecture is better than others in
the system
The better means :
– easier to design
– better performance(area/power/speed/noise)

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 What Can’t Be Expected with
Mixed-Signal Simulation
• Due to the capability of digital simulator, only time domain
information can be obtained directly.
• All the modeling of analog behavior should be converted into
time domain when simulated with mixed signal simulation.
• Other system characteristics such as frequency response might
be calculated from time domain data if needed.
• When obtaining frequency domain information, the time
domain information must provide sufficient time period and
time point.

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 What is Required for Mixed-Signal
Simulator
Is the model appropriated ?
Device model supported
Analog/digital interface
Is the result reliable ?
Algorithm, methodology
Is the algorithm stable ?
Ease of convergence
Complete ?
Design formats, language supported
Is the simulator efficient ?
Ease of using
Fast of simulation
Clear of output result
Ease of extracting desired parameter
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 Mixed-Signal Simulation
The most fundamental abstraction for IC design is circuit level.

Digital circuit switch gate RT behavioral

Abstraction Analog
Abstraction
Analog-HDL+Verilog/VHDL
VHDL-AMS, Verilog-AMS behavioral

macro level
Timemill
SPICE star-time SPICE +Verilog/VHDL
circuit level

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 Multi-Level Mixed-Signal Simulation
To perform Multi-level Mixed-Signal simulation, simulator must support
both circuit level and behavioral level of analog abstraction

Digital circuit switch gate RT behavioral

Abstraction Analog
Abstraction
behavioral

Spectre+Verilog/VHDL macro level

circuit level

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 Basics of Mixed Signal Simulation

• The fundamentals of Mixed Signal Simulation

– The identification of analog and digital blocks
• Signal abstraction : logic value or voltage value
– The modeling of analog/digital signal translation
• The loading effect of succeeding block
• The driving capability of proceeding block
– The solving of initial solution
– The types of logic/circuit solver
– The mechanism of time step control

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 Timing Control for Mixed-Signal
Simulation

Synchronize at minimum
Lock-Step Digital
time step
Analog

Fixed Time Digital

Analog

Roll-Back1 Digital Trace back when a/d, d/a

Analog event occurs

Roll-Back2 Digital
Analog

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 Mixed-Signal Simulator
Configurations
Core Modification
Adding extensions to existing simulator for handling mixed-signal design
Glued
Combining two simulator simulating together to achieve simulation
Communication of simulators through Bask Plane or IPC
(Inter- procedure-call)

Figure Source: www.vhdl-ams.com

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 Mixed-Signal Simulator
Configurations
Integrated Single Kernel
Use single engine handling different abstractions.
Partitioning and IE handling by system automatically.

Figure Source: www.vhdl-ams.com

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 Commercially Available
Simulation Environments
• Antrim
Antrim-AMS : Verilog-AMS + transistor level
• Avant!
Star-MS : transistor level
The HDL : VHDL-AMS
• Cadence
Affirma : Spectre+Verilog-A + Verilog/VHDL
ATS : Transistor level
AMS
• Mentor
ADVance MS(Modelsim + eldo)
• Synopsys
Timemill : Transistor level
VCS+Timemill
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 Affirma Analog Artist Flow
The Cadence
environment can be schematic
invoked with icfb Composer Design Composition
behavioral
or icms
Interface Element Partition
config Netlister/partitioner insertion Netlisting
Verilog-A Spectre Netlist Verilog Netlist
or Spice IPC
Spectre Verilog-XL Simulation

Verilog-A Verilog
Debugger Debugger
use
source /usr/cadence/etc/ic.cshrc Waveform
Result Browsing
source /usr/cadence/etc/ldv.cshrc Display
to define the tool environment
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 Reference for Affirma Flow
Use openbook or help menu from tool window to invoke the manual

V
V

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 Mixed-Signal Tool Environment
Composer Virtuoso Waveform window

Mixed Signal Results Browser

Back Annotation
Spectre
SpectreHDL

Results
IPC

Verimix

Analog Artist
Verilog-XL Simulation
environment
Waveform Calculator
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 Mixed-Signal Top Down Design Flow
System simulation

Partition
Digital Blocks Analog Blocks

RTL Design Block Simulation &

Specification Correction
MS
Synthesis Simulator Circuit Design Simulation &
Correction

Gate Netlist Verification &

SDF Layout Design
RC Correction
Extraction Extraction

P&R
Layout Integration

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 Before the Design Creation
• System Planning and Partitioning
– Identify digital domain and analog domain, thus the analog/digital
interface
– The better of design partition, the lesser of design iteration and
faster of design progression
• Block Boundary definition
– input/output signals
– Any input/output characteristics
• Block characteristic definition
– Algorithm/transfer function
– constraints/parameters

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 Design Creation
The system is separated into blocks for reducing the design complexity
and improving design efficiency and quality
Digital Stimuli
Analog Stimuli Top cell
schematic

symbol symbol symbol

Instance 1 Instance 2 Instance 3
veriloga schematic verilog

Behavioral / Analog leaf cell Behavioral / Digital leaf cell

symbol symbol
Instance 4 Instance 5
veriloga verilog

Behavioral /Analog leaf cell Behavioral/Digital leaf cell

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 Design Iterations
The block information can be replaced with
detailed format as the design proceeded
Digital Stimuli
Analog Stimuli Top cell
schematic

symbol symbol symbol

Instance 1 Instance 2 Instance 3
schematic schematic verilog

Device / Analog leaf cell Behavioral / Digital leaf cell

symbol symbol
Instance 4 Instance 5 Wire delay
layout verilog information

Device /Analog leaf cell Behavioral/Digital leaf cell

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 Design Partitioning Scheme
• The partitioning scheme in Affirma Analog Artist is
Instance-based
• Partition is defined before netlisting, each leaf cell must be
separated into either digital or analog netlist
• The default partition scheme is based on stop view values
Analog Stop View Set :
spectreS cdsSpice spice ahdl auLvs spectre veriloga
Digital Stop View Set :
behavioral functional hdl system verilogNetlist verilog vhdlImport
• The schematic partition can be displayed/defined within
schematic window

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 Partition Requirement
• The design must contain at least one analog component.
• The design must contain at least one digital component.
• There must be with at least one interface net.
• Analog stimuli defined in the analog stimuli file cannot be
used to drive digital net.
• Digital stimuli defined in the digital stimuli file can not be
used to drive analog net.
• Any interface net must be identified before netlisting.

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 Interface Element Scheme in
Affirma Artist Environment
Interface elements will be inserted during netlist generation for signal
translation

Analog d2a Analog

block block
MOS_d2a
IE insertion TTL_d2a
CML_d2a

Analog Analog
a2d
block block
MOS_a2d
TTL_a2d
CML_a2d
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 Interface Elements
• Generated automatically for input/output terminals of
digital components
• Model the loading and driving impedance of digital
instance terminals
• Convert voltages to logic levels, and vice versa
• Transport events between two simulators
• No Bi-directional Interface Element provided
• Nonsupply global net can’t be an interface net, ex. clock
net can not drive digital and analog blocks simultaneously

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 Using Analog Artist Environment for
Mixed-Signal Design

System verification at the early design stage

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 Analog Modeling for Mixed Signal
Design
• Analog modeling : A key to Top-Down Design methodology
In order to evaluating performance of system under design, the characteristic of
system blocks must be described and included for simulation.

• Macro modeling : Different goal of modeling

The existed method for analog modeling utilizes the capability of SPICE simulator.
Analog blocks were described with a set of dependent sources and primitive
components.
Good for modeling a pre-designed circuit with acceptable accuracy
Bad for block definition at pre-design phase

• HDL modeling : Promoting method for analog/MS design

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 Analog/Mixed Signal Description
Language
• Proprietary Language - MAST, SpectreHDL
• IEEE 1076.1-1999 IEEE VHDL Analog and
Mixed Signal Extensions
• OVI Verilog-A 1996
• OVI Verilog Analog/Mixed-Signal (A/MS) 1998
Reference site:
http://www.ovi.org
http://www.eda.org
http://www.vhdl.org

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 Analog Hardware Description
Language Verilog-A
• An extension of the Verilog language to describe
analog/mixed signal system models
• To be compatible with Verilog
• An OVI(Open Verilog international) Standard
• An multidiscipline language that models electrical, mechanical,
fluid dynamic, and thermodynamic systems
• Can be used for supporting Top-down design

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 Basic Module Definition
A module represents the fundamental user-defined primitive in Verilog-A
`include “constants.h”
Include natures, `include “discipline.h”
discipline & constants
module res1(p, n) ;
Interface Declarations inout p, n ;
name, ports and electrical p, n;
parameters parameter real r=1 from ( 0:inf) ;
parameter real tc=1.5m from [0:3m) ;

Global Module Scope real reff;

analog begin
local variables and
@(initial_step(“static”)) begin
analog block reff = r*(1+tc*$temperature) ;
end
I(p,n) <+ V(p, n)/reff ;
Behavioral
end
Description endmodule

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 Predefined Conservative Disciplines
Defined in disciplines.h

Potential Flow
Disciplines
Nature Access Units Nature Access Units
Electrical Voltage V V Current I A
magnetic Magnetomotive MMF A-turn Flux Phi Wb
force

thermal Temperature Temp oC Power Pwr W

kinematics Position Pos m Force F n
position
velocity Velocity Vel m/s Force F n
rotational Angle Theta rads Torque Tau n/m
phase
velocity Angle Omega rads/s Torque n/m
Velocity Tau
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 Verilog-A Modeling Approaches
Structural Model Example Behavioral Model Example
module cap(p, n); module cap(p, n);
inout p, n; inout p, n;
electrical p, n ; electrical p, n ;
parameter real cvalue = 0 ; parameter real cvalue = 0 ;
capacitor #(.c(cvalue)) Cmin (p, n) ; analog
endmodule I(p,n) <+ ddt(cvalue*v(p,n)) ;
endmodule
Mixed Structural and Behavioral Models
module VCO2(R1, ref, out, CA, CB, VCC, Vcontrol) ;
electrical R1, ref, out, CA, CB, VCC, Vcontrol ;
electrical cntrl ;
real state ;
VCOshape shape (ref, cntrl, VCC, Vcontrol) ;
resistor #(.r(0.001) RX(CB, ref) ;
resistor #(.r(500) RX(CB, ref) ;
capacitor #(.c(10p)) Cmin (CA, CB) ;
analog begin
@(initial_step) state=1.0 ;
if ( analysis(“dc”, “static”)) V(CA,CB) <+ 0.0 ;
@(cross(V(CA)+1.0, -1)) state=1.0 ;
@(cross(V(CA)-1.0, +1)) state=-1.0 ;
I(CA) <+ -(1.71*I(cntrl, R1)*V(VCC, ref)*V(out) ;
V(out) <+ transition(state, 10n, 10n, 10n) ;
end
endmodule
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 Analog Modeling Issues
• The Analog/MS Description language provide modeling
capability of time domain and frequency domain.
• The analog simulation is solved with Spectre
• Only time domain simulation can be done for mixed signal
simulation
• The complete modeling of a block might be difficult,
model only as needed.
• Multiple models might be implemented for a single block
to describe different view.
• Good model : Simplest form for modeling required
information
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 Mixed Signal Simulation Flow

veriloga
Composer schematic Design Composition
behavioral

Interface Element Partition

config Netlister/partitioner insertion Netlisting
Verilog-A Spectre Netlist Verilog Netlist
IPC
Spectre Verilog-XL Simulation

Verilog-A Verilog
Debugger Debugger
AWD : Waveform
Display Result Browsing
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 MS HDL Simulation Flow

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 Describing System
Component structure and System Structure
behavioral (modules) (netlist)

Kirchhoff’s Laws

Set
Set of
of Equations
Equations

Solved equation numerically

with iterative methods

System
System Response
Response

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 Creating the HDL View of
Designed Block
• To create a new block, use File ! New ! Cell View to
invoke the create view form
Remember to use behavioral as the View
name for Verilog

For digital view

For analog view

It is suggested to define the EDITOR variable in your .cshrc file for

cadence tool to bring out desired text editor
setenv EDITOR textedit
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 Saving HDL Design
• For behavioral and veriloga view, after saving design and
close Textedit window, the system will perform syntax
check and extracting port definition.
• The system will not perform syntax check for other
view(For example, verilog).
• Error/warning messages will be provided in CIW, if there
is any syntax problem in HDL code.
• A symbol view can be generated automatically if the HDL
code is correct.

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 Creating Analog Block and Symbol
Create the veriloga view of analog
block, and create a symbol view for
cell use

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 Parameter Definition
parameter definition will be
converted into CDF parameter

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 Integrating Design Using Composer
Integrating the
whole design
within a schematic
window, this will
be top view of
design

digital block

analog block

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 Verilog-A Modules in Schematic
Symbols with a behavioral view can be added into any schematic

cdsTerm(“in”) rlc cdsTerm(“out”) rlc

v0
output
symbol +
cdsTerm(“ref”) -
gnd
rlc // VerilogA for mylib, rlc, schematic
veriloga

behavioral `include “sonstants.h”

`include “discipline.h”
module rlc(in, out, ref) ;
...

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 Schematics in Verilog-A Modules

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91/01 58 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit
 Adding Simulation Inputs

Digital Stimuli

Analog Stimuli

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 Analog Stimuli
The Analog Stimulus can be added either with circuit component in
analogLib or with spectre AHDL stimulus format

• Edit a behavioral for

the block
• create Symbol view
• Add the symbol in
top schematic view

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 Digital Stimuli
1. Create a behavioral view for the stimulus block
2. Define the stimulus module
3. Add verilog command to force input signal
4. Create a symbol view for the block
5. Add the symbol into top schematic view
`timescale 10ns/10ns initial begin
//Define the stimulus block #2418 tx[3] = 1’b1 ;
module Stim(tx,precharge); #17 tx[3] = 1’b0 ;
output [1:16] tx ; end
output precharge ; initial begin
//Defines the registers #1558 tx[6]=1’b1 ;
reg [1:16] tx ; #17 tx[6] = 1’b0 ;
reg precharge ; initial begin
initial begin #37 precharge = 1’b1 ;
tx=16’h0000; #11 precharge = 1’b0 ;
precharge = 1’b0 ; #27 precharge = 1’b1 ;
end end
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 Design Hierarchy
Top cell
schematic

symbol symbol symbol

Instance 1 Instance 2 Instance 3
veriloga schematic behavioral

veriloga / Analog leaf cell Behavioral / Digital leaf cell

symbol
Instance 4
veriloga

veriloga / Analog leaf cell

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 Create Config View for Simulation
The mixed-signal simulation hierarchy is controlled by Hierarchy-Editor, which
must be defined with config cell view

Use Create New File to create a new config view

with Hierarchy-Editor

cell name is top circuit name for simulation

view name will be set as config

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 Set New Configuration

After template setting

3. Change the view name to schematic

for simulation

1. Use Template sample information

2. Change simulator to spectreVerilog 4. Click OK

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 After Setting Configuration
The Hierarchy-Editor is shown,
and all cells and views in the top
cell will be listed.

The message shows that the

cell used can not be identified
because no available cell
view was found

The problem must be cleared

before simulation

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 Set Block Partition

開啟 hierarchy editor
設定所使用的cell
設定所使用的cell view
顯示 所用的cell
用的 view,
及其顏色設定
Schematic editor 中的
Hierarchy-Editor 及 Mixed-
Signal 兩項menu係由選單
Tools->Mixed Signal Opts.
而產生。

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 Set Instance Binding
With menu Hierarchy-Editor ! Set Instance Binding… , the following form
will be shown for redefining the cell view to use for a certain instance.

Select a instance and choose the view to bin binded

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 Check Block Partition
Set the default cell view
binding for partition

The default value can be preset in .cdsenv as

mmsimenv.conf digitalStopViewSet string “verilog ”
mmsimenv.conf analogStopViewSet string “spectre..”

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 Check Partition Results
With the Display Partition menu, the exact partition will be shown graphically.
The interface element will then be inserted between analog and digital blocks.

設定顯示的顏色及項目
顯示所有的區塊劃分結果
顯示類比電路區塊
顯示數位電路區塊

顯示混合信號電路區塊
(即內同時包含數位及類比電路區塊)
即內同時包含數位及類比電路區塊

顯示無法歸類之電路區塊

清除所有顯示的內容

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 Define Detailed Interface Elements

Define the type of

IE to be used

The type of IE can be

defined by instance,
cell or library

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 Change View Selection
With Hierarchy-Editor, cells that
were used in the simulated cell will
be listed. And each view used in
simulation can be refined with the
Editor.

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 Configuration of HE Display
The contents to be shown in
Hierarchy-Editor can be
refined with this menu
selection.
After refining the cell view to
be used, use Update to
change the simulation
information.

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 Invoke Simulation Environment

開啟 Analog Artist
Simulation 模擬環境

顯示這兩項menu
顯示這兩項menu

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 Specify Simulation Environment
Use Analog Artist to control simulation progress
Select simulator, model path, include file, stimulus, analysis type
output saved/marched/plotted

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 Setup Menu in Analog Artist

With Setup window

to define simulation
initialization setup.
•Choose the simulator
•Define device model
library
•Define temperature
•Define simulation
inputs
•Define Verilog
netlist options..

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 Choosing Simulator/Directory/Host
Through Setup ! Simulator/Directory/Host
Simulator : S : socket

cdsSpice
cdsSpice
hspiceS
hspiceS
spectre
spectre
spectreS
spectreS
cdsSpiceVerilog
cdsSpiceVerilog
hspiceSVerilog
hspiceSVerilog
spectreSVerilog
spectreSVerilog
spectreVerilog
spectreVerilog

The exact simulation data directory is in

/home/simulation/cellname/simulatorname/viewname/netlist

91/01 76 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 Interface Element Model Definition
Use the menu Setup ! Model Libraries to define the model contents of
Interface elements, if any device model is also required, add with this also.

Example source of ieModels

/usr/cadence/ic445/tools/dfII/samples/artist/mixSig/ieModels/spectre
or /usr/cadence/ic445/tools/dfII/samples/artist/mixSig/ieModels/spectreS

91/01 77 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 Digital to Analog Interface
For D ! A interface, model the driving capability of digital parts
There are 3 levels of D ! A interface model

Level 1 Digital to Analog Interface model

MOS1_d2a

Model Parameters

D2A_VL : input low voltage

D2A_VH : input high voltage
D2A_TR : rise time for low to high
D2A_TF :fall time for high to low
D2A_ROUT : Source resistance

91/01 78 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 Digital to Analog Interface(Cont’d)
Level 2 Digital to Analog Interface Model
- model the Z state , and independent sourcing, sinking

MOS2_d2a
Model parameters
D2A_VL
D2A_VH
D2A_TR
D2A_TF
D2A_HI_TH
D2A_LOW_TH
D2A_R1
D2A_R2

91/01 79 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 Digital to Analog Interface(Cont’d)

Level 3 Digital to Analog interface mode

MOS3_d2a

model parameters

D2A_VL
D2A_VH
D2A_TR
D2A_TF
D2A_TRANS_W : for NMOS

The PMOS width is 2*D2A_TRANS_W

91/01 80 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit
 Analog to Digital Interface
Model parameters

MOS1_a2d A2D_V0
A2D_V1
A2D_TX : voltage between V0 and V1 after TX will yield a logic X

Modeling the loading effect of digital nets to the analog parts

91/01 81 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit
 Modification of IE Parameters
• The instance level of IE parameters were defined by CDF
parameters.
Use menu Mixed-Signal ! Interface Elements to redefine parameters
• The library level IE model is suggested to use MOS1
• The cell level of IE parameters were defined by the model
definition. Copy the IE models into your directory, then
modified as needed.

91/01 82 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 Device Model Specification
The active devices model for Spectre are provided with TSMC 0.35um, 0.25um,0.18um
process.
All active devices used in schematic view of design must have corresponding model
during simulation, such as NMOS,PMOS,DIO and BJTs. The device models might be
provided with several files, specify those files in the following window.
The Section define the corner of model for simulation, must be consisted with model file.

Use tt corner

91/01 83 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 Device Model File Example
// IN THIS MODEL LIB CONTAINS :
// 1.section tt (ss/ff /sf /fs)
// ( 3.3V normal devices & 3.3V NMOS with ESD implant with different
// geometric and corner models)
// 2.section bip 說明部份
// ( P+/NW/PSUB vertical PNP bipolar )
// 3.section dio
// ( P+/NW, N+/PW & NW/PW diode )
// 4.section res
// ( resistor model )

section ss Define the section name

parameters toxn=8.0e-9
parameters toxp=8.2e-9
parameters toxe=8e-09
parameters hdifp=3.8e-07
parameters hdife=9.55e-07
…………..
include "logs353va.scs" section=mos
endsection ss

91/01 84 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 Set Design Variables
Some of the parameter
values might be specified
with a variable name.
Then the value of variable
can be given at this stage.

Get the lists of variables

Select the variable name

with mouse in right
Table
Specify the value

Press Change to update

Edit form of Variables
91/01 85 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit
 Choose Analysis Type
Define the analysis type through the window items

Invoke the analysis

setting window

For Mixed-Signal
simulation, only
tran is meaningful

Set the simulation time

Set the accuracy flag

Check this box to enable

this simulation Set the transient simulation options
Choose compression within this options
to reduce output file size
91/01 86 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit
 Select Output Nodes

Define the signals

to plotted after
simulation, the
nodes can be
selected within
schematic window

91/01 87 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 Created Netlist(Analog)
HNL : Hierarchical Netlist
FNL : Flat netlist - for parasitic analysis, detailed IE mode

simulator lang= spectre

vi0 (5 0) vsource type= pulse val0=-5.00000000E-01 val1=0.0 period=10.0
+delay=5e-9 rise=500e-12 fall=500e-12 width=1.0
vi1 (12 0) vsource type= pulse val0=-5.00000000E-01 val1=0.0
+period=+1.50000000E-08 delay=1e-9 rise=500e-12 fall=500e-12
+width=+5.00000000E-09
qi2 (25 39 2) tp1 region= fwd area=1 m=1.0

simulator lang= spice

* BEGIN Interface Element Header
da99978 99978 0 d2a src="99978" val0=500.0m val1=4.5 rise=1n fall=1n ron=1
R99978 99978 10 10
da99979 99979 0 d2a src="99979" val0=500.0m val1=4.5 rise=1n fall=1n ron=1
R99979 99979 14 10
da99980 99980 0 d2a src="99980" val0=500.0m val1=4.5 rise=1n fall=1n ron=1
R99980 99980 30 10
da99981 99981 0 d2a src="99981" val0=500.0m val1=4.5 rise=1n fall=1n ron=1
91/01 88 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit
 Created Netlist(Digital)
module CCADCtop; // Begin Interface Element Header and Verimix
//Synchronization task
supply1 N2; initial begin
supply0 N1; $vmx_initialize( "spectre", dc_mode_flag);
supply0 N0; $vmx_define_export( N10, "99978"); // /net70
// registers for ie elements $vmx_define_import( N12, "99986"); // /net92
reg N12; // /net92 $vmx_define_import( N7, "99987"); // /comOut
reg N7; // /comOut $vmx_define_import( N99988, “99988”); // /net53
reg N99995; // /net96 end
reg N99996; // /net79 // End Interface Element Footer and Verimix
reg N6; // /net53 // Synchronization task
reg N17; // /net96
reg N5; // /net79 // Begin WSF Save Waveforms
specify initial begin
specparam CDS_LIBNAME = "ccadcLib"; $save_waveform( "binary"
specparam CDS_CELLNAME = "CCADCtop"; ,"/net86", test.top.N4
specparam CDS_VIEWNAME = "schematic"; ,"/Q2", test.top.N23
endspecify );
end
buf I3( N8, N19 ); // End WSF Save Waveforms
buf I4( N15, N28 ); endmodule

91/01 89 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 Simulation Options
for Analog Simulator
The analog simulator related control parameters
can be specifed with this window.
The control options include
tolerance of solution
DC convergence solution method
Component format

91/01 90 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 Simulation
Options for
Digital Simulator
The options and environment
setting that will be forwarded to
verilog simulator can be defined
with this window.

91/01 91 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 Submit the Simulation
Execute the simulation job with Run, or create the netlist with Netlist

start simulation

set initial condition

91/01 92 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 Run Log Files
Message for digital simulator Message for analog simulator

91/01 93 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 Result Browser
After several simulation jobs, you can choose any of the simulation
results for waveform window

Saved node
voltages

Press middle
button to bring
the menu
Choose plot to
plot the
waveform

91/01 94 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 Waveform Window

• After Simulation, the

selected waveform will
be shown in the window.
• The waveform can be
digital waveform or
analog waveform.
• The previously simulated
data can also be shown
through result browser.

91/01 95 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 Waveform Calculator
If further calculation is needed for obtaining other simulated parameters, the calculator
can be used.
The calculator is invoked with Tools ! Calculator in analog artist window

91/01 96 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 Parametric Sweep
Invoke by Tool ! Parametric Analysis

Nested simulation can

also be used

Start the sweep

simulation

91/01 97 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 AHDL Debugger
For the HDL design, the Verilog-A
is capable of interactive debug to help
check the simulation process.

Simulation
Netlist
Netlist and
and Run
Run
Run
Run
Stop
Stop
Options
Options
Netlist
Netlist
Output
Output Log…
Log…
Convergence
Convergence Aids
Aids
Netlist
Netlist and
and Debug
Debug AHDL
AHDL
or Debug
Debug AHDL
AHDL

To invoke the debugger

91/01 98 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 Feature of HDL debug
• Set breakpoints in modules
• Step line-by-line through code, step over, or step into
functions and force a return from a function
• Run, stop, resume or reset a simulation
• View the value of variables, or display the changing values
of variables as simulation progresses
• probe node/branch voltages and currents
• Move the scope up and down the function call stack,
inspecting arguments and variables in user-defined
functions.

91/01 99 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

Layout Integration and Verification for
Mixed Signal Design

Note : Most of the layout design issues follow the cell-based design
approach, please refer to the Cell-Based Physical Design and
Verification training manual

91/01 100 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 Layout Integration Flow
Analog blocks Digital domain
Layout Editor
Module Verilog netlist
declaration Analog + I/O
Abstract
generation
Verilog in cell library
Reference library
Reference library
P&R with SE
DEF out / DEF in
layout view
generation CDL output

stream out

Layout Verification DRC/LVS

91/01 101 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit
 Abstract Generation

• Place and Route tool needs pin information for block

routing.
• The manual layout contains only geometry information,
need to define pin location and information for P & R
• The pin and boundary information are defined in abstract
view.
• Use skill code to generate the abstract view automatically.
• After Abstract generation, a LEF file will be generated for
Silicon Ensemble Verilog in.

91/01 102 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 Prepare Analog Blocks

• On Layout view:
– Using Create ! Label to define all pins with text2 layer.
– Add Cellview Properties:
• Name: prCellType
• Valus:macro
• Modify a parameter in .autoAbgen file:
– aabsSetProp(`libName “Your_Design_Lib”)
• Invoke AutoAbgen skill
– In the CIW, enter:
load(“/usr/cadence/ic445/tools/autoAbgen/etc/autoAbgen/aaicca.ile”)
– Choose AutoAbgen ! Flow Sequencer to generate the abstract
view automatically.
91/01 103 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit
 Setting the autoAbgen

System Setup Commands:

•P&R Engine: Silicon Ensemble
•LEF Version: 5.1
Flow Sequence:
•By File:cell.list
Enable Auto Layout Prep and click Setup.
When setup complete, click Apply, then
you will get preview before abstract view.
91/01 104 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit
 Setting the autoAbgen

Text Layers: text2

Ordered Layers:
only used METAL1~3

Using Text Layers and

Ordered Layers to define pins
of abstract view.
Then click OK.

91/01 105 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 Setting the autoAbgen
When you get preview for abstract view,
you should check the pins for make sure
the pins are you want.
Enable Auto Abstract Generation and
click Options.
Enter Output LEF file name.

When setup Options complete, click OK,

then you will get abstract view and LEF file.

91/01 106 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 Setting the autoAbgen

Enter your design’s Power/Ground

Net Names, then click OK.

The separate Power/Ground

Net Names:
TAVDD / TAVSS
TVDD1A / TVSS1A
TVDD1P / TVSS1P
TVDD1P1 / TVSS1P1
91/01 107 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit
 Blackbox Generation

• Use skill code to generate the Blackbox file for Dracula

LVS used.
– In CIW, enter
load(“genBlackBox.ile”)
genBlackBoxForLvs(“Library_name” “Cell_name” “.”)
genHcellFile(“Cell_name” “.”)
genPseudoSpice(“Library_name” “Cell_name” “.”)
– you will get
• Cell_name.blackbox
• Cell_name.hcell
• Cell_name.spi

91/01 108 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 Prepare Data for SE
• Modify analog block LEF file, only keep Macro data.
Remove the Technology and Row data form analog block
LEF file.
• In order for P&R tools to route the connect between analog
and digital blocks, the analog block must be in verilog
netlist and connected.
• If you are designing a chip, you have to add io pads and
power pads into the netlist before you import it.
• You can import either a verilog or a DEF as your design
netlist.
• A standard cell verilog model is needed as verilog
reference.
91/01 109 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit
 Module Declaration
• Since there might not be any Verilog statement that can
model the analog block, the analog block contains only I/O
port information.
• Must be enabled Don’t Touch when synthesis.
– Using Attributes ! Optimization Directives ! Design

module A_module_1(J, T, Y) ; module core_top(clk, In, Y)

input [7:0] J, T ; input clk ;
output Y; input [5:0] In ;
module Output Y ;

latcha La1 ( clk, In, J ) ;

A_module_1 IM1 ( J, T, Y) ;
endmodule
91/01 110 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit
 Top Level Verilog Netlist Integration
• The final chip must contain I/O pads，these I/O
information were also provided by Verilog netlist.
module CHIP ( Tclk, TBin, TY ); //POWER IO
input Tclk;
input [5:0] TBin;
output TY; pvss2z VSS_0();
pvdd2z VDD_0(); I/O powers
wire Wclk; pvss3p VSS_1();
wire [5:0] WBin; pvdd3p VDD_1();
wire WY;
//OUTPUT IO PAD C pvss1z INT_VSS_0(); internal power
psiana2p oY(TY,WY); pvdd1z INT_VDD_0();
pcornerz corner1(); corner cells
//INPUT IO PAD C
pcornerz corner2();
pdiz iCLK(.PAD(Tclk),.C(Wclk)); pcornerz corner3();
pcornerz corner4();
pdiz iBIN0(.PAD(TBin[0]),.C(WBin[0]));
pdiz iBIN1(.PAD(TBin[1]),.C(WBin[1]));
pdiz iBIN2(.PAD(TBin[2]),.C(WBin[2])); core_top TOP ( Wclk, WBin[5:0], WY );
pdiz iBIN3(.PAD(TBin[3]),.C(WBin[3]));
pdiz iBIN4(.PAD(TBin[4]),.C(WBin[4])); endmodule
pdiz iBIN5(.PAD(TBin[5]),.C(WBin[5])); core cell
91/01 111 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit
 Layout Integration

• After completing top level Verilog file and macro abstract

generation, standard Place & Route flow with hard macro
can be used for mixed-signal circuit layout generation.
• The major differences are the I/O pads and power/ground
route.
• 0.35um cell library used TSMC I/O pads for digital pads
and analog pads.

91/01 112 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 µm PAD Usage
Tsmc 0.35µ
0.35µm pad name’s rule
• [Regular IO Cells Name]+ ‘‘ z’’：5V-Tolerant Cell without clamping diode
• [Regular IO Cells Name]+ ‘‘ v’’：5V-Tolerant Cell with clamping diode
• [Regular IO Cells Name]+ ‘‘ m’’：IO Cell with VDD5V Power rail

CIC
Stream out Cell GDSII
Replacement Foundry
GDSII

I/O Physical
library

91/01 113 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 Power Pad Selection

for core for IO for core or IO

Digital

Power pad pvdd1z pvdd2z pvdd3z

Ground pad pvss1z pvss2z pvss3z
Power pad pvdd1a
Ground pad pvss1a
prdiode pad
Power pad pvdd1p pvdd5p
Ground pad pvss1p pvss5p
Analog

prdiode pad
Power pad pvdd1p1 pvdd2p,pvdd4p
Ground pad pvss1p1 pvss2p, pvss4p
prdiode pad
Power pad pvdd3p
Ground pad pvss3p

91/01 114 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 Power Pad Selection
• Provide stand-alone analog input/output, power/ground for
analog macro, but share IO power rails with the Digital's.

To analog macro To digital core

C TVDD1A TVSS1A VDD VSS

VDD (from digital)
VSS (from digital)
VDD (from digital)
ESD ESD ESD
Device Device Device

ESD ESD ESD

Device Device Device
VDD (from digital)
pvdd1z

pvdd2z

pvss1z

pvss2z
pvdd1a
pdianax

pvss1a

91/01 115 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 Power Pad Selection
• The analog power is isolated from the digital one. All the
power of analog macro, pre- and post -drivers are provided
by pvdd3p/pvss3p.
To analog macro 2 To analog macro 1

TVDD1P TAVSS C TAVDD

VDD TAVDD VDD
VSS TAVSS VSS
VDD TAVDD VDD

ESD ESD
prdiode

prdiode
Device ESD Device
Device
ESD
ESD ESD Device
Device Device
VSS TAVSS VSS
pvdd1p

pvdd3p
pdianaXp
pvss3p

91/01 116 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 Power Pad Selection
• The power for analog macro are net attached at any IO
power rails. In this case, the power rails of pre- and post -
drivers are provided by pvdd5p/pvss5p.
To analog macro

TVSS1P C TVDD1P
VDD TAVDD VDD
VSS TAVSS VSS
VDD TAVDD VDD

ESD ESD ESD

prdiode

prdiode
Device Device Device

ESD ESD ESD

Device Device Device
VSS TAVSS VSS
pvdd1p

pvdd5p
pdianaXp
pvss1p

pvss5p
91/01 117 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit
 Power Pad Selection
• In this case, the power rails of pre-driver and post-driver
are provided by pvdd4p/pvss4p and pvdd2p/pvss2p.

To analog macro

TVSS1P1 C TVDD1P1
VDD TAVDD VDD
VSS TAVSS VSS
VDD TAVDDPST VDD

ESD ESD ESD

prdiode

prdiode
Device Device Device

ESD ESD ESD

Device Device Device
VSS TAVSSPST VSS
pdianaXp

pvdd1p1
pvss1p1

pvdd2p

pvdd4p
pvss2p

91/01 118 pvss4p Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 Place IO Constraints
Create placeIO.ioc file for SE Place IO.
IO_pad constraint No_IO_pad constraint
LEFT( LEFT(
　|ipad_I1　　East; 　(IOPIN I1)
) )
RIGHT( RIGHT(
　|opad_o1　　West; 　(IOPIN O1)
) )
TOP( TOP(
　|DCVSS　　South; 　(IOPIN I2)
) )
BOTTOM( BOTTOM(
　|DCVDD　　North;　 　(IOPIN I3)　　　　　
) )
91/01 119 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit
 SE Startup
• Before start SE, create a directory named dbs to store
saved data.
• Copy se.ini file, CIC provided to working directory.
• In Unix command line, enter
seultra -m=150&
SE start with limit 150 MB virtual memory.
• The initial environment is read form se.ini file.
• You can set selectability(SI) and visibility(VI) form object
selection windows.

91/01 120 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 Create SE Design Database
• Before creating a design database, you need a library
database that contain technology rule and information of
cells that used in your design.
– CIC provided CIC-MS35V1.lef file for SE to Import LEF.
• Add analog block information by the same way for SE.
• Use import DEF/Verilog commands adding the netlist
view to the library database.
• A verilog reference library should be import first if you use
verilog netlist.
• Save your design at some step is always a good ideal.

91/01 121 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 Initiate Floorplan
• Set the two environment variables to ensure io row and
corner row contact tightly.
Set var plan.iorow.snapgrid.x 1
Set var plan.iorow.snapgrid.y 1
• Enable Flip Every Other Row and Abut Rows with Row
Spacing “0” on Core Area Parameters.
• Let Block Halo Per Side the same as IO to Core Distance.
– Analog Block includes power rails, SE just can offer one power
rails for digital block.
• SE automatically calculate the core area form given value.
• In CIC 0.35 process, METAL1 and METAL3 are defined
as horizontal routing layers, METAL2 and METAL4 are
defined as vertical routing layers.
91/01 122 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit
 Place Analog Block
• Select the block and move it to the desired location.
• Place blocks with Optimize routablility by setting Span
On.
• Place blocks along the edges of core area, preferably in a
corner of the core.
• Use Floorplans ! Update Core Rows after all blocks
placed.
• Set Global Block Hale in Update Core Rows windows to
reserve spacing for block power ring.

91/01 123 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 Plan Power
• Use Route ! Plan Power, delete power path that analog
block does not routed.
• Modify the following variables in PP Add Rings form.
– Nets name: “vdd! gnd!”
– Ring Layer:
METAL3 for Horizontal
METAL2 for Vertical
– Core Ring Width the same as Block Ring Width
• Modify the variables in PP Add Stripes form, if you need.

91/01 124 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 Add prdiode
• To support a separate the analog and digital power scheme
– Using power cut cells(prdiode), if you want to have clear power
for analog block or your design has two or above kinds of analog
power provider pvddXpX and pvssXpX.
– Use Place ! Filler Cells ! Add Cells
• Model: prdiode
• Prefix: prdiode
• Area: Click and drag across the area you want with left mouse button.
• The add prdiode pads can NOT be remove.
• Do this step MUST be before then Add IO Filler step.

91/01 125 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 Add IO Filler
• Connect io pad power bus by insert IO filler.
• Add form wider filler to narrower filler.
– Use Place ! Filler Cells ! Add Cells
• Model:
pfeed20z, pfeed10z, pfeed8z, pfeed5z, pfeed4z, pfeed2z, pfeed1z
• Prefix:
pfeed20z, pfeed10z, pfeed8z, pfeed5z, pfeed4z, pfeed2z, pfeed1z

• The add IO fillers can NOT be remove.

• Do this step MUST be before then WRoute step.

91/01 126 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 Add Wire
• If your analog block needs some special wires.
– For big current used
– Connected by yourself

Use Ultra Router

• The ultra router consists of several phases.
– Global routing
– Final routing
– Search and repair
– Final clear-up

91/01 127 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 Prepare for Layout Verification
• Using Dracula DRC, ERC,and LVS for layout verification.
• In SE, using File ! Export ! DEF… to export DEF file.
– Replace bus representation
“[” and “]” replaced by “<” and “>”
• Create New Library
– Name
• Target new library name
– Technology File
• Compile a new techfile
» Get physical technology by compile a technology file
» Technology file: CIC_CB35B.tf
• Attach to an existing techfile
» Attach physical technology from an existed library
» Technology library: cb35os142
91/01 128 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit
 Prepare for Layout Verification
• Create Layout database
– Create Abstract view by import DEF.
– Add LVS/TimeMill text on Abstract view.
– Replace layout.
– Stream out GDSII.
• Create CDL netlist
– Create schematic netlist by import verilog.
– Create CDL netlist by export CDL.

91/01 129 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 Import DEF
• In CIW, using File ! Import ! DEF...
– Library Name: Target new library name
– Cell Name: CHIP
– View Name: autoRouted
– Ref. Library Names: cb35os142 tpz773snV200aV100
tpz773sn_analogV100A
– DEF File Name: autoRouted.def
• Use CIC SKILL tools
– In CIW, enter:
load (“CIC-MS35V1.ile”)
– Add LVS/TimeMill Text
– Replacement Pre-check, Replace, Replacement Post-check
• Replace abstract view with layout view
91/01 130 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit
 Modify Layout
• As the layout of prdiode reveals, the guard bands within
the prdiode are not aligned with the left and right side of
the cell boundary. Pre-driver Power Pre-driver Power

• For VDD band connect side: Pre-driver Ground Pre-driver Ground

Post-driver Power Post-driver Power

– The highest VDD
VSS Guard Band VSS Guard Band
– The most IO pad
VDD Guard Band VDD Guard Band
– The analog power
Post-driver Ground Post-driver Ground
• For VSS band connect side:
– The lowest VSS
– The most IO pad
– The analog power pad or filler prdiode pad or filler

• Connect layer ONLY using METAL4 drawing

91/01 131 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit
 Add Text
• If design has two or above kinds of power rails, CIC skill
code can NOT add text for LVS and TimeMill in layout.
• In layout view, two ways for adding text:
– Using Create ! Label
• In LSW, choose text drawing2 layer to create label.
– Using Copy
• Copy form digital power rails and change properties.
– The analog power rails:
• TAVDD / TAVSS
• TVDD1A / TVSS1A
• TVDD1P / TVSS1P
• TVDD1P1 / TVSS1P1

91/01 132 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 Stream Out
• Run Directory
• Library Name
• Top Cell Name
• View Name
• Output File
• Options
– Case Sensitivity: preserve

91/01 133 Mixed-Signal IC Design Kit

 Dracula Operation Flow
• Command File
1
– DRC: drac035s3V4M.drc Dracula
– LVS: ms35s_4m.lvs Command File

2
• Netlist Data Netlist Data
PDRACULA
– TSMC35_V1.blackbox 3 Command Processor

– TSMC35_V1.hcell LOGLVS
Netlist Processor Command File
– TSMS35_V1.spi Run Files
Errors
4
• Dracula Reports
Layout Data Dracula Program
– DRC text files (*.sum and *.drc)
– LVS text files (*.lvs and *.sum) 5

Text and Graphic

– graphic error files Error Reports
DRC
LVS

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Post-Layout Simulation for Mixed-Signal
Design

Note : Please refer to the TimeMill/PowerMill/PathMill training

manual

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 Mixed Signal Parasitic Simulation
• Circuit in realistic contains parasitic elements which will
affect system performance
• Post- layout simulation include parasitic elements into the
complete design for verifying the overall design performance.
• Factors should be considered :
What elements to be modeled ?
• Interconnect loading capacitance
• Interconnect wire resistance
• Interconnect coupling capacitance
• Power/Ground parasitic elements
• Substrate resistance
What flow to be used ?

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 Flows for Parasitic Simulation

• Complete elements extraction with layout extraction

tools(such as Dracula)
The extracted netlist is in SPICE netlist format , use spice tools or
transistor level simulator( such as timemill, star-sim ...) for
simulation.
• Separated extraction for digital and analog netlist
Digital - Standard Delay Format(SDF)
Analog-SPICE netlist
• Online extraction with diva - analog artist flow

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 Transistor Level Post-Layout
Simulation
• Due to the restriction of cell library, the complete chip
simulation with Cadence MSPS flow might be
troublesome.
• Use timemill for post-layout simulation at current stage.
• The tool is now installed in CIC, invoking with queue
system.
• Refer to the timemill training manual for timemill usage
flow.

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 Timemill Job Flow
Prepare
layout Ftp layout to CIC’s account

Replace
Layout View qepiclpe35: replace cell layout view
qepiclpe
Generate
Technology File gentech : generate technology file
vi/edit stimulus file, configuration
Edit Files commands
Timemill
powrmill perform simulation

Output
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 Timemill Input Stimulus File
• Create input stimulus file which specify type of input signals
SIN voltage source
– TimeMill syntax:
(t=VSIN)(en=element_name)(so=n+)(dr=n-)(v=dc,pa,<freq,<td,<df,<pd>>>>);
– SPICE syntax:
Vname n+ n- dc SIN(dc pa <freq <td <df <pd>>>>)

EXP voltage source

– TimeMill syntax:
(t=VEXP)(en=element_name)(so=n+)(dr=n-)(v=v1,v2,<td1,<tau1,<td2,<tau2>>>>);
– SPICE syntax:
Vname n+ n- EXP(v1 v2 <td1 <tau1 <td2 <tau2>>>>)

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 Mixed Signal Parasitic Simulation
layout view
Analog Artist Flow
Mixed-Signal Parasitic Simulation Flow
Diva Rule file
for post-layout simulation
Diva Extraction

Extract View

Diva LVS
Build_Mixed

mixed_extracted Standard Parasitic File

View SPF
for RC information
Using Pearl for
MS Netlister Delay Calculation delay calculation

Analog Netlist Digital Netlist Standard Delay Format

(SDF)

IPC
Spectre Verilog-XL
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 The DIVA LVS Window
Before creating analog_extracted
or mixed_extracted view, be sure
to complete LVS check.
The analog_extracted view is for
analog block

Creating
mixed_extracted view

Creating analog_extracted view

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 Analog Extracted View
Extracted parasitic

Extracted device

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 Build Mixed Extract View
With Build Mixed, the following form will be shown to define the contents of
blocks.
For Analog blocks, the mixed_extracted view will contains devices and/or
parasitics, depends on the selection of the form.
For Digital blocks, the block delay including loads will be calculated with
Cadence’s Pearl timing analyzer.

Select parasitics

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 Command Options for Delay
Calculation
The pearl command options for
delay calculation
SDF format :( min, typ, max)
Library corner : all,min,typ,max
Slew Mode(slew rate) : all,min,typ,max

Wireload library : timing library

format(TLF) library name

Wireload Name: name of wireload model

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 Mixed Signal Options
If simulation with including digital
parasitic, redefine this Options for
digital delays.

Use existed SDF information

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 Simulation with Parasitics
After creating the analog_extracted /
mixed_extracted view, the parasitic
simulation is done by redefine the cell
binding in Hierarchy_Editor, then click
Update for updating the partition
information.
After this, the circuit can be re-
simulated with analog artist.

Change the view to be used

Click Update

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 Tutorial Walk Through
• For a complete walkthrough example for Mixed-Signal
Parasitic Simulation, please refer to online manual of
“Affirma Parasitic Simulation User Guide”
• The design directory is in
/usr/cadence/ic445/tools/dfII/samples/artist/mixSig/msps
you can copy the whole directory into your working
directory, and entering into the directory before starting
cadence tool(such as icfb)
• The design library is in tar format, please use
tar xvf mixSigLib.t
to extract the entire library
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 Conclusion

• Analog Artist Provide a Multi-level Mixed Signal

Simulation Environment
• Spectre and Verilog-XL integrated for simulation, Spectre
used as main controlling program
• Analog/Digital Partition is done with view-base manually
• Configurable Interface Element added after netlist partition
• Post-layout simulation solution is available with SDF input

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 Reference

• Mixed-Mode Simulation and Analog Multilevel Simulation Resve Saleh, Shyh-Jye Jou,
A. Richard Newton Kluwer Academic 1994
• Affirma Mixed-Signal Circuit Design Environment User Guide, Cadence
• Affirma Analog Artist Mixed-Signal Design Series, cadence
• Analog Modeling with Verilog-A,cadence
• Understanding Mixed-Signal Simulation, http://www.vhdl-ams.com/literature_link.htm
• VHDL-AMS Guide to Mixed-Signal Simulation,
http://www.vhdl-ams.com/literature_link.htm

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