SpringSoft’s Laker custom layout automation system validated for TSMC 28-nm AMS reference flow

HSINCHU, TAIWAN: SpringSoft Inc., a global supplier of specialized IC design software, announced that its Laker Custom Layout Automation System is selected by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) for the company’s 28-nanometer Analog and Mixed-Signal (AMS) Reference Flow 1.0.

Integration of Laker design software into the TSMC AMS Reference Flow enables a layout dependent effect (LDE) aware implementation methodology that improves layout quality and design flow productivity for robust chip designs and greater design reuse with the latest manufacturing processes.

The TSMC 28nm AMS Reference Flow includes best-in-class design tools and methodologies to solve the challenges introduced by smaller, more advanced semiconductor technologies and escalating chip design complexity.

It builds a collaborative platform and engagement model between TSMC and electronic design automation (EDA) vendors for demonstrating a hybrid (multi-vendor) front-end functional design through a back-end implementation flow with TSMC 28nm high performance process technology. The flow is based on the industry-standard OpenAccess (OA) database and uses the TSMC Interoperable Process Design Kit (iPDK) with an advanced phase-locked loop (PLL) circuit reference design operating at 1.6 GHz.

SpringSoft’s Laker OA-compatible design solutions are validated for the TSMC 28nm AMS Reference Flow with sub-flows enabling automated schematic-driven layout, custom digital place and route, as well as LDE-aware layout and constraint checking.

New Laker LDE-aware capabilities co-developed with TSMC provide on-line LDE analysis and annotate deviations in device performance during layout. These capabilities also allow engineers to easily find and view both electrical and layout constraint violations. This LDE-aware methodology shortens the design cycle between pre-layout and post-layout simulation and resolves 28nm process-related effects prior to silicon tape out.

“SpringSoft continues to be a valuable member of TSMC’s EDA ecosystem. Their collaborative approach to reference flow implementation and development of new LDE-aware features in Laker speaks volumes about SpringSoft’s commitment to serving our mutual customers,” stated Tom Quan, deputy director of design methodology and service marketing at TSMC.

“TSMC’s 28nm AMS Reference Flow is a critical milestone for the semiconductor industry, especially for custom chip designers looking to capitalize on the scalable performance, density and power advantages possible at this node,” said Duncan McDonald, director of custom IC product marketing for SpringSoft.

“With full production support for the OA standard and TSMC’s iPDK, Laker seamlessly integrates with tools from other vendors in the TSMC 28nm AMS flow and delivers LDE-aware automation technologies to ensure the highest quality layout and most efficient design flow.”