( ESNUG 487 Item 7 ) -------------------------------------------- [12/02/10]
Subject: (ESNUG 486 #5) Cadence replies to Hogan eval of the analog market
> #2. CADENCE
>
> Virtuoso Analog Design Environment (ADE). "Old school, the people's
> choice for decades." ....
>
> - Jim Hogan
> Tela Innovations Los Gatos, CA
From: Akshat Shah <akshats=user domain=cadence got calm>
Hi John,
I appreciate the analysis done by Jim Hogan on the various tools available
for variability aware design. However, I wanted to update the description
that Jim has provided regarding Cadence's offering. His information is
not up to date. Here's a snapshot of Cadence's offering (thru 6.1.5):
- PVT. In addition to basic PVT analysis and visualization, ADE GXL
reduces the number of simulations needed by identifying worst case
corners in your design. Users can mix and match their standard PVT
corners, design specific corners and statistical corners to ensure
robust designs.
- Monte Carlo. Monte Carlo (Random, LHS) is synchronized between
multiple test-benches and in parallel across multiple computers.
This enables an efficient and accurate yield prediction. The
results can then be used to generate statistical corners that are
specific to the design. To focus deeper attention on any one aspect
of a design, designers have full control over which devices are
included/excluded in the Monte Carlo run. After Monte Carlo, a
summarized view of the statistical sensitivity the circuit has to
all design goals is available as well as identifying device pairs
that are sensitive to mismatch variations.
- High-Sigma. The ADE GXL environment offers two different algorithms
for estimating high sigma yield. The algorithms offers 200-1000x
speed-up in estimating high sigma compared to traditional Monte Carlo
based methodologies.
- Layout Dependent Effects (LDE). Virtuoso integrates Cadence's LEA
tool to identify problems related to layout dependent effects early
in the design flow prior to completing layout and extraction.
- Sensitivity Analysis. ADE supports sensitivity analysis on selective
device parameters as well as statistical parameters in the circuit.
The sensitivity of specifications and small signal parameters in the
circuit is displayed compared to the variations in the circuit.
- Optimization. ADE provides fully automatic and assisted capabilities
to improve the parametric yield of a circuit in the presence of
process and mismatch variation.
- Interfaces. ADE integrates with all Cadence simulators including
Spectre, Spectre APS, SpectreRF, Ultrasim and AMS Designer for
mixed-signal design. All the above capabilities are available for
all of these simulators. Third-party simulators have always been
integrated into the ADE environment and they can provide Monte Carlo
support as well.
- Scalability. Supports parallel processing using any load balancing
software. Run your Monte Carlo, PVT or design specific worst case
corners over all test-benches.
- Accuracy. SPICE level accuracy.
As Jim states, ADE traditionally has been "old school, the people's choice
for decades". However, with the advent of IC 6.1, Cadence has added
significant capabilities into ADE and Virtuoso to support designers as they
tackle custom and mixed-signal designs, especially at advanced nodes.
- Akshat Shah
Cadence Design Systems, Inc. San Jose, CA
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