SOC Design 2: Chip Implementation with Physical Design leading to Tape-Out | 2. Introduction to EDA Tools by Pavan | Learn Smarter
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2. Introduction to EDA Tools

Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools are pivotal in the design and verification of integrated circuits, facilitating a streamlined design process from conceptualization to layout. This chapter highlights key commercial EDA tools from Synopsys, Cadence, and Siemens, alongside notable open-source alternatives. The integration of these tools enhances efficiency and ensures designs meet strict performance and manufacturability standards.

Sections

  • 2

    Introduction To Eda Tools

    This section introduces Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools, highlighting major commercial and open-source solutions utilized in the integrated circuit design process.

  • 2.1

    Introduction To Electronic Design Automation (Eda) Tools

    Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools streamline the design and verification processes of integrated circuits (ICs).

  • 2.2

    Commercial Eda Tools

    This section discusses the leading commercial Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools from prominent companies like Synopsys, Cadence, and Siemens.

  • 2.2.1

    Synopsys Eda Tools

    This section introduces Synopsys EDA tools that provide essential solutions for integrated circuit design and verification.

  • 2.2.1.1

    Design Compiler

    The Design Compiler by Synopsys is an RTL synthesis tool that optimizes digital designs by converting high-level descriptions into gate-level netlists.

  • 2.2.1.2

    Primetime

    PrimeTime is Synopsys' static timing analysis tool that helps ensure designs meet timing constraints through detailed analysis of signal paths.

  • 2.2.1.3

    Ic Compiler Ii

    IC Compiler II is a critical place-and-route tool from Synopsys used for physical design and timing optimization of integrated circuits.

  • 2.2.1.4

    Fusion Compiler

    Fusion Compiler is a unified tool that enhances the chip design process by integrating RTL synthesis, placement, and routing for improved performance, power, and area optimization.

  • 2.2.1.5

    Hspice

    HSPICE is a simulation tool from Synopsys that verifies the electrical behavior of circuits through the simulation of analog and mixed-signal circuits.

  • 2.2.2

    Cadence Eda Tools

    Cadence provides essential Electronic Design Automation tools that enhance the design and verification of integrated circuits in both academic and industrial settings.

  • 2.2.2.1

    Genus Synthesis Solution

    Cadence's Genus Synthesis Solution automates the translation of RTL design into gate-level representations with a focus on optimization.

  • 2.2.2.2

    Innovus Implementation System

    The Innovus Implementation System is an advanced place-and-route tool used for optimizing IC designs for timing, power, and area.

  • 2.2.2.3

    Virtuoso

    The Virtuoso tool by Cadence is essential for custom IC design, focusing on analog, mixed-signal, and RF designs.

  • 2.2.2.4

    Jaspergold

    JasperGold is Cadence's formal verification tool that uses mathematical proofs to ensure design specifications are met.

  • 2.2.2.5

    Allegro

    Allegro is Cadence’s advanced PCB design tool, crucial for high-density and high-performance circuit board design.

  • 2.2.3

    Siemens Eda Tools

    Siemens EDA tools, derived from the acquisition of Mentor Graphics, provide powerful solutions for VLSI and SoC design, including tools for physical verification, PCB design, and simulation.

  • 2.2.3.1

    Calibre

    Calibre is a leading physical verification tool used for Design Rule Checking (DRC), Layout Versus Schematic (LVS), and Electrical Rule Checking (ERC), ensuring design compliance with manufacturing processes.

  • 2.2.3.2

    Xpedition

    Xpedition is an advanced electronic design automation tool for PCB and IC package design offered by Siemens.

  • 2.2.3.3

    Hyperlynx

    HyperLynx is a tool that offers critical analysis elements such as signal integrity, power integrity, and thermal simulations, facilitating the design of high-speed integrated circuits.

  • 2.2.3.4

    Modelsim

    ModelSim is an integral tool for functional verification in digital design, supporting both Verilog and VHDL simulations.

  • 2.3

    Open-Source Eda Tools

    This section discusses the significance of open-source EDA tools in electronic design automation, highlighting key tools like Yosys, Nextpnr, GHDL, and OpenROAD.

  • 2.3.1

    Yosys

    Yosys is an open-source synthesis tool for Verilog designs, widely utilized in academic and hobbyist projects.

  • 2.3.2

    Nextpnr

    Nextpnr is an open-source place-and-route tool that focuses on FPGA and ASIC designs, optimizing resource usage.

  • 2.3.3

    Ghdl

    GHDL is an open-source simulator for VHDL and SystemVerilog that is essential for functional simulation in digital designs.

  • 2.3.4

    Openroad

    OpenROAD is an open-source toolset designed for ASIC digital design, providing a complete flow from RTL to GDSII.

  • 2.4

    Integration Of Eda Tools

    This section discusses the integration of Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools into unified design environments for efficient IC design.

  • 2.5

    Conclusion

    The conclusion emphasizes the importance of EDA tools in VLSI design, highlighting their role in automating and optimizing design processes.

References

ee6-soc2-2.pdf

Class Notes

Memorization

What we have learnt

  • EDA tools automate and opti...
  • Commercial tools provided b...
  • Open-source EDA tools are i...

Final Test

Revision Tests