SiSoft and Altera release IBIS-AMI models for Altera FPGA

SANTA CLARA, USA: Signal Integrity Software Inc. (SiSoft) and Altera Corp. have announced the availability of IBIS-AMI models for Altera’s Stratix IV GT, Stratix IV GX and Arria II GX FPGAs. The models, developed in close collaboration between SiSoft and Altera, model Altera’s high-speed SerDes and provide customers the capability to perform more comprehensive SerDes analysis resulting in better board designs with reduced design time for the customer.

“The combination of SiSoft’s modeling expertise and Altera’s intricate understanding of advanced transceiver technology allow us to deliver highly accurate, high-performance IBIS-AMI models to our customers,” said Bernhard Friebe, senior product marketing manager, high-end FPGAs at Altera. “With these models, the complex circuit components in our devices can be rapidly simulated to represent highly accurate serial link performance.”

The IBIS-AMI models were built from a combination of transistor level models, behavioral models and lab data. The model development encompassed over 10,000 simulations run across different process corners and channel models. The IBIS-AMI model results were compared to those predicted by HSPICE and hardware measurements.

Through rigorous analysis and extensive correlation work, the models achieved a 98 percent or higher Figure of Merit as defined by the IBIS Accuracy Specification. Compliance with the IBIS-AMI specification has been validated with publicly available IBIS-AMI compatibility checkers to ensure model portability between different EDA simulators.

“The IBIS-AMI standard makes it possible for programmable logic vendors such as Altera to leverage their existing investments in modeling to deliver the standards-based, interoperable models customers demand,” stated Barry Katz, president and CTO, SiSoft.

Quantum Channel Designer design kits are currently available for Altera’s Stratix IV GX, Stratix IV GT and Arria II GX devices with more to come in the future. QCD Design Kits provide complete, ready-to-run simulation setups for a given vendor and device model. The designer can determine margins for a design by importing their own channel model and re-running simulation - a process that takes only a few minutes.

Quantum Channel Designer (QCD) is the Industry’s Premier Channel Simulator for the design and analysis of multi-Gigabit serial links. QCD combines superior support for IBIS-AMI SerDes simulation models with advanced analytical techniques to predict operating voltage and timing margins. SiSoft has collaborated closely with our semiconductor partners to create the largest collection of validated design kits and broadest correlation of any IBIS-AMI simulator.

Pre-layout Design Space Exploration lets designers quickly evaluate thousands of different design tradeoffs to optimize their serial link designs for cost, performance and reliability. QCD Design Kits are currently available for Stratix IV GT and GX devices, with additional design kits in development.