Ciranova Helix selected in TSMC analog mixed-signal Reference Flow 1.0 for physical design automation

SANTA CLARA, USA: Ciranova Inc., a leader in automated physical design for analog and mixed-signal ICs, announced that its Ciranova Helix custom IC layout automation software has been included in TSMC’s OpenAccess-based Analog/Mixed-Signal (AMS) Reference Flow 1.0 targeting TSMC 28nm advanced process technology.

Helix was used within the TSMC flow to floorplan and place a reference phase-locked loop (PLL) design. The transistor-level placement passed all of its target combination of minimum, recommended, and custom process design rules, including many DFM-related rules such as conditionals, fill densities and grids. In the flow, the Helix placement was then routed using software from Pyxis Technology, Inc.

The PLL design contains approximately 10,000 devices; Helix run times were about ten minutes on a 4-CPU machine.

“We were pleased with Helix’ ability to generate high quality and DRC-correct layout in an automated flow,” said Tom Quan, deputy director of design methodology and service marketing at TSMC.

Ciranova Helix is a plug-and-play solution that works in any OpenAccess-based design flow to accelerate and improve predictability in custom IC layout; it works with a variety of libraries including parameterized cells (PCells), TSMC Analog Base Cells, standard cells, and hard macros.

“The increase in DFM requirements at nanometer geometries has placed a significant strain on RF, analog and mixed-signal IC designers,” said Eric Filseth, president and CEO of Ciranova®.

“By establishing an advanced and open reference flow that integrates robust automated layout technology, TSMC is helping their mixed-signal SoC customers bring differentiated silicon products to market more quickly.”