Nov 12, 2024

[anysilicon.com] Open Source CAD/EDA Tools

A List of Open Source EDA Tools
<https://anysilicon.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-open-source-eda-tools/>

The FOSS CAD/EDA tools outlined adhere to establish an open source design flow, essential for IC development. The process involves several steps: describing IC schematics, analog/RF circuits, digital circuit in HDL format, followed by synthesis, placement and routing, and culminating with post-layout simulations.

CppSim: has been actively used since 2002. It is used for commercial and academic purposes. It performs system-level simulations of mixed-signal circuits. It automatically produces, compiles, and executes C++ code per the schematic design you produce.

Electric: among one the powerful CAD systems which can handle different types of circuit design tasks including MOS, Bipolar, schematics, printed circuitry, hardware description languages, etc. It can analyze design rule checking, simulation, and network comparison. It can perform synthesis as well, like routing, compaction, silicon compilation, PLA generation, and compensation.

eSim: an integrated tool built from open source software such as KiCad, Ngspice, Verilator, Makerchip, GHDL, and OpenModelica. It is an EDA tool for circuit design, simulation, and analysis.

IRSIM: a tool for simulating digital circuits. It is a switch-level simulator, where transistors are treated as ideal switches. In this simulator, the circuit under simulation can be modified and then incrementally restimulated. It maintains the history of circuit activity and only restimulates the part of the circuit that deviates from its history.

Mosaic: Analogue integrated circuit designs can be created and simulated using the tool mosaic. It emphasizes a cutting-edge, user-friendly interface, immediate design feedback, design reuse, verification, and automation. Regardless of your internet connection, Mosaic will remain quick and accessible and synchronize your modifications when you reconnect.

Ngspice: An open-source mixed-signal SPICE simulator. ngspice has a command line input interface and plots the waveforms. This tool offers active development and improved stability. ngspice is based on three open-source free-software packages: Spice3f5, Xspice, and Cider1b1:

QUCS(Quite Universal Circuit Simulator): a well-advanced circuit simulator that supports all kinds of simulations like DC, AC, s-parameter, noise, transient analysis, etc. It allows importing existing SPICE models as well.

X Circuit: The schematic diagrams drawn from the schematic capture program do not produce an image that is suitable for publication. Engineers have to draw the schematic with the help of general-purpose drawing tools. It is a drawing tool that is specifically for circuits only. It can produce high-quality schematic diagrams and other figures that are suitable for publication purposes.

Xschem: a schematic capture program for VLSI and ASIC design.

XYCE: a SPICE-compatible software, written in C++ and using MPI (Message Passing Implementation). It also includes Trilinos ( Sandra’s open source library), which includes KLU direct solver and many more circuit-specific solvers.

ChipVault: an organization tool for HDL. It allows for hierarchical file navigation, sorting, and editing.

EDA Playground: a free web application for HDL (including Verilog, system Verilog, VHDL, and other HDLs) simulations and synthesis. It generates a browser-based waveform viewer after a successful simulation. It is easy to use because no download is required and code sharing is easy.

GHDL: translates VHDL files directly into machine code and hence faster compilation and analysis of code than any other interpreted simulator.

Icarus Verilog: a compiler for Verilog HDL as described in the IEEE-1364 standard. With the help of written Verilog code, it compiles the code into some target format. This tool supports a waveform viewer named GTKWave.

Migen: a python-based tool that applies advanced software concepts like OOPs, and metaprogramming in the VLSI design process and building complex digital hardware. It is a brand new programming language based on FHDL

Yosys: a synthesis tool that can handle Verilog code and can synthesize complex projects as well.

Fairly Good Router: a software for routing, based on Lagrange multipliers. It is an academic tool and it is based on similar routers used on industrial levels.

KLayout: KLayout is an editor that helps with the layout. It is also helpful in changing and creating GDS and OASIS files.

Magic: is considered one of the easiest tools for circuit layout. This tool supports LVS and DRC as well.

QRouter: a tool for routing based on the standard Lee maze routing algorithm. It supports LEF and DEF formats as input and output.

OpenSTA: is used to verify the timings of a circuit at the gate level.

OpenTimer: A high-performance, commercial-grade timing analysis tool. It helps IC designers with its interactive analysis to verify circuit timings. It supports both path-based and graph-based timing analysis. It is relatively a new tool that supports industry-standard format support like  .lib, .v, .spef, and .sdc.

HiTas: Another tool for static timing analysis.

Netgen: is a verification tool for comparing a layout to a netlist. To ensure this physical verification and LVS is carried out.  Netgen version 1.5 is considered a commercial-grade tool.

Dragon: is an effective tool for standard cell placement for variable and fixed die ASIC design.

Gdsfactory: Since gdsfactory is entirely written in Python, some Python concepts are necessary. It is built on top of KLayout, gdspy (Python library for producing GDSII files), and Phidl (Python module for GDS layout and cad geometry).

Alliance/Coriolis VLSI CAD Tools: Alliance / Coriolis is a free software toolchain for VLSI design. The input is HDL (Verilog or VHDL) and the output is GDSII, which is all set for ASIC manufacture.

Qflow: Provides a set of tools and methods to turn an HDL code (written in Verilog or VHDL) into a physical circuit. It is capable of handling sub-systems like host-to-device communication, signal processing, arithmetic logic unit, etc.

OpenLane:  An automated VLSI design flow for digital synthesis. It is a collection of open-source tools. It performs all the tasks from RTL to GDS-II with the help of a predefined set of commands for design explanation and optimization. It has two modes.

OpenROAD: is a flow of open source tools for ASIC design. The whole flow is automated for digital SoC layout generation, focusing on the RTL-to-GDSII phase of system-on-chip design.

Silicon Compiler: automatically translates source code to hardware design. There are three steps.

IBTIDA:Fully open-source ASIC implementation of Chisel-generated System on a Chip

Nov 4, 2024

Recent Compact Modeling Papers

[1] Hao Su, Yunfeng Xie, Yuhuan Lin, Haihan Wu, Wenxin Li, Zhizhao Ma, Yiyuan Cai, Xu Si, Shenghua Zhou Guangchong Hu, Yu He Feichi Zhou, Xiaoguang Liu, Longyang Lin, Yida Li, Hongyu Yu, and Kai Chen; "Characterizations and Framework Modeling of Bulk MOSFET Threshold Voltage Based on a Physical Charge-Based Model Down to 4 K." In 2024 IEEE European Solid-State Electronics Research Conference (ESSERC), pp. 733-736. IEEE, 2024. doi: 10.1109/ESSERC62670.2024.10719583

[2] Tung, Chien-Ting, Sayeef Salahuddin, and Chenming Hu; "A SPICE-Compatible Neural Network Compact Model for Efficient IC Simulations." In 2024 International Conference on Simulation of Semiconductor Processes and Devices (SISPAD), pp. 01-04. IEEE, 2024.

[3] Jana, Koustav, Shuhan Liu, Kasidit Toprasertpong, Qi Jiang, Sumaiya Wahid, Jimin Kang, Jian Chen, Eric Pop, and H-S. Philip Wong; "Modeling and Understanding Threshold Voltage and Subthreshold Swing in Ultrathin Channel Oxide Semiconductor Transistors." In 2024 International Conference on Simulation of Semiconductor Processes and Devices (SISPAD), pp. 01-04. IEEE, 2024.

[4] Manganaro, Gabriele. "Rethinking mixed-signal IC design." In 2024 IEEE European Solid-State Electronics Research Conference (ESSERC), pp. 552-556. IEEE, 2024

[5] Wager, John F., Jung Bae Kim, Daniel Severin, Zero Hung, Dong Kil Yim, Soo Young Choi, and Marcus Bender; "Dual-Layer Thin-Film Transistor Analysis and Design." IEEE Open Journal on Immersive Displays (2024).

Oct 28, 2024

[paper] FOSS support for CM with Verilog-A

Bűrmen, Árpád, Tadej Tuma, Iztok Fajfar, Janez Puhan, Žiga Rojec, Matevž Kunaver
and Sašo Tomažič
Free software support for compact modelling with Verilog-A
Informacije MIDEM 54, no. 4 (October 9, 2024)

Abstract: Verilog-A is the analog subset of Verilog-AMS - a hardware description language for analog and mixed-signal systems. Verilog-A is commonly used for the distribution of compact models of semiconductor devices. For such models to be usable a Verilog-A compiler is required. The compiler converts the model equations into a form that can be used by the simulator. Such compilers have been supplied with commercial simulators for many years now. Free software alternatives are much more scarce and limited in the features they offer. The paper gives an overview of Verilog-A, Free software Verilog-A compilers, and Free software/Open source simulators that can simulate compact models defined in Verilog-A. Advantages and disadvantages of individual compilers and simulators are highlighted.

Tab: Comparison of Free software simulators
Asterisk denotes a feature under development as of Sep. 2024

Acknowledgements: This research was funded in part by the Slovenian Research Agency within the research program ICT4QoL—Information and Communications Technologies for Quality of Life, grant number P2-0246.


Oct 6, 2024

ROSMD 2024 Workshop

Advancing to the Fifth Milestone
ROSMD 2024
Professional Development Program
(HYBRID MODE)
on
RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES IN SEMICONDUCTOR
MATERIALS AND DEVICES
(ROSMD)
18-23 October 2024
in association with
JOINTLY ORGANIZED BY
Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering
SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST),
Kattankulathur, Chennai
&
Indian Institute of Information Technology
Design and Manufacturing (IIITD&M),
Kancheepuram

ABOUT THE ROSMD 2024 PROGRAM 
Electronic devices serve as essential components in a wide range of applications. Recently, new semiconductor materials and devices have emerged as revolutionary technologies, leading the international research community. These advancements are driving the development of submicron technologies, reducing costs, and supporting key industries such as electronic information, energy, aerospace, and environmental protection. India has been actively involved in the semiconductor field for decades, with a history that dates back to notable scientists like Sir C. V. Raman and Sir J. C. Bose. Today, India is home to numerous research groups and VLSI foundries that significantly contribute to the global semiconductor landscape. The recent adoption of new materials and technologies has further enhanced the performance of semiconductor devices, allowing for a broader range of applications. In line with India's Atmanirbhar Bharat policy and semiconductor mission, many organizations are working towards the development of indigenous semiconductor technologies. This course aims to shed light on the current status and future potential of semiconductor materials and devices, both in India and around the world  <Read more...

REGISTRATION DETAILS
You are required to apply online using the following link
https://forms.gle/15kGBSkPwjcWkcg

or scan QR Code: 

PATRONS
Dr. T.R. Parivendhar, Founder Chancellor, SRMIST
Dr. Ravi Pachamoothoo, Pro-Chancellor (Admin.), SRMIST
Dr. P. Sathyanarayanan, Pro-Chancellor (Academics), SRMIST
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Prof. C. Muthamizhchelvan, Vice Chancellor,SRMIST
Dr. S. Ponnusamy, Registrar, SRMIST
Dr. T. V. Gopal, Dean CET, SRMIST
Dr. K. Vijayakumar, Dean SEEE, SRMIST
STEERING COMMITTEE
Dr. M. Sangeetha, Professor and Head, ECE, SRMIST, KTR
Dr. B. Ramachandran, Professor, ECE, SRMIST, KTR
Dr. R. Kumar, Professor, ECE, SRMIST, KTR
Dr. S. Malarvizhi, Professor, ECE, SRMIST, KTR
Dr. P. Aruna Priya, Professor, ECE, SRMIST, KTR
Dr. T. Rama Rao, Professor, ECE, SRMIST, KTR
Dr. Shanthi Prince, Professor, ECE, SRMIST, KTR
CONVENER
Dr. Rajesh Agarwal, SRMIST, KTR
Dr. Soumyaranjan Routray, SRMIST, KTR
Dr. K P Pradhan, IIITD&M, Kancheepuram
COORDINATORS
Dr. Sounik Kiran Kumar Dash, SRMIST, KTR
Dr. Sanjay Kumar Sahu, SRMIST, KTR
Dr. Uday Kumar Singh, SRMIST, KTR
Dr. Ferents Koni Jiavana K, SRMIST, KTR
ORGANIZING COMMITTEE
Dr. Kasthuri Bha J.K
Dr. Damodar Panigrahy
Dr. Sandeep Kumar P
Dr. Prithiviraj Rajalingam
Dr. Praveen Kumar S
Dr. Bashyam S
Mr. Muthukumaran B
Mr. Ananda Venkatesan
Dr. Arijit Bardhan Roy
Dr. Md Jawaid Alam
Dr. Vivek Kachhatiya
Dr. Tulika Srivastava
Dr. Sayantani Bhattacharya
Dr. Veer Chandra
Dr. Vishvas Kumar

Sep 17, 2024

[mos-ak] [online publications] MOS-AK/ESSERC Workshop in Bruges (B) September 9, 2024


The MOS-AK Association has organized is consecutive 21st ESSERC compact/SPICE modeling workshop, to discuss status of the device level modeling and analog/RF and digital FOSS CAD/EDA IC design tools supporting IHP OpenPDK Initiative. All the recent MOS-AK presentations are available online:
The MOS-AK Association plans to continue its standardization efforts by organizing future compact modeling meetings, workshops and panel discussions around the globe thru the 2024 Year, including:
  • MOS-AK Brazil Panel (BR), Oct. 2024
  • 17th US MOS-AK Workshop, Silicon Valley (US) Dec.11, 2024
    • in the timeframe of CMC and IEDM Meetings
W.Grabinski on the behalf of International MOS-AK Committee
WG170924

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