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Other CAD Tools >> Entry Tools >> Alternate CAD tools for Analog/Custom IC Design
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Message started by SRF Tech on May 26^th, 2007, 12:53am

Title: Alternate CAD tools for Analog/Custom IC Design
Post by SRF Tech on May 26^th, 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 29^th, 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 29^th, 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 1^st, 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 4^th, 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 4^th, 2007, 11:09am

For a Verilog simulator: http://www.zeemz.com/products.php

(Note: I'm not affiliated with this company)