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https://designers-guide.org/forum/YaBB.pl Other CAD Tools >> Entry Tools >> Alternate CAD tools for Analog/Custom IC Design https://designers-guide.org/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1180166027 Message started by SRF Tech on May 26th, 2007, 12:53am |
Title: Alternate CAD tools for Analog/Custom IC Design Post by SRF Tech on May 26th, 2007, 12:53am Hi everyone, I have been scouring the internet looking for viable low cost CAD tools. Currently I am using Cadence, but am looking for a new low cost tool to use for custom analog and I/O design. Most of my experience has been with Cadence, Mentor and Tanner. I have also worked with several versions of freeware tools, such as LTSpice (which I like a lot) to name one, and a few layout tools to accompany it. However what I need is a proper tool suite for some future projects on advanced processes (<90nm) that would make analog design, simulation, layout and validation a little easier to use than piecing together freeware. I am leaning toward Tanner as my next tool of choice (cost mainly). What I am looking for are any recommendations members of this forum may suggest as a tool choice to consider. I know of many tools out there but I have no personal experience with some of them. Maybe some of you know of a few off the wall tools that have served you well. I am open to suggestions. Thanks, Stephen |
Title: Re: Alternate CAD tools for Analog/Custom IC Desig Post by mg777 on May 29th, 2007, 1:27am Stephen, Try the following link: http://www.vlsitechnology.org/html/ic_software.html I suppose if you are designing specialized structures & have a deep knowledge of CMOS processing, you can 'dispense' with a PDK-based design flow. What about DRC, though? Maybe your designs go through a standard DRC downstream, so it may be OK to use 'non-standard' DRC tools? M.G.Rajan www.eecalc.com |
Title: Re: Alternate CAD tools for Analog/Custom IC Desig Post by SRF Tech on May 29th, 2007, 8:02am MG, Thanks for the link. There are a few tools here I have not heard of so it gives me some more research to do. Per your inquiry, it is important that I can still use base level verification flows such as DRC, LVS and some extraction. Yes, the designs do go thru a flow downstream, but customers do not like it when IP runs into DRC issues in their final assembly. :( Anyway, I am still open to any other suggestions people may have for a quality tool. Thanks, Stephen |
Title: Re: Alternate CAD tools for Analog/Custom IC Desig Post by joel on Jun 1st, 2007, 1:08pm For years I was at a shop that used magic, along with Workview licenses that someone picked up at a garage sale or something. We made a living with those tools. I've heard that magic has been revitalized and can handle modern fancy processes. Certainly worth a look. I haven't tried it myself, but I'm interested in http://directory.fsf.org/electric.html . Anyone know a freeware static-timing tool? And verilog? I'm interested in what you find as well. I'd like to have a set of tools for home use when between jobs. |
Title: Re: Alternate CAD tools for Analog/Custom IC Desig Post by SRF Tech on Jun 4th, 2007, 8:46am Thanks for the pointing to this possibility Joel. I will check it out and keep this message board posted on what I find. Even Tanner does not offer a simulator capable of running Verilog/VHDL (that I am aware of). So if I find something, I will let you know. -Stephen |
Title: Re: Alternate CAD tools for Analog/Custom IC Desig Post by mg777 on Jun 4th, 2007, 11:09am For a Verilog simulator: http://www.zeemz.com/products.php (Note: I'm not affiliated with this company) |
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