What software is used to design ASICs?

Key Takeaways

• Cadence Innovus is widely used for full-flow and custom IC design.

• Synopsys IC Compiler II is a comprehensive tool for digital IC design, including synthesis, timing analysis, and placement and routing.

• Mentor Graphics Calibre is a popular tool for physical verification, ensuring the layout meets design rules.

• Dassault Systèmes CATIA is used for system-level design and modeling of complex systems, including ASICs.

• Zuken Cadstar is a cost-effective tool for PCB design and layout.

• Altium Designer offers a comprehensive suite for PCB and ASIC design, including schematic capture, simulation, and layout.

What is an ASIC?

An Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) is a specialized integrated circuit designed for a specific function or application. Unlike general-purpose microprocessors, ASICs are tailor-made to perform a set of tasks with high efficiency and performance.

Key Components in ASIC Design Flow

1. Design Entry and Verification:

• Schematic capture: Representing the circuit using electronic symbols and connections.

• HDL coding: Using Hardware Description Languages (HDL) like Verilog and VHDL to describe the circuit’s behavior.

• Simulation: Verifying the design’s functionality using simulation tools.

2. Synthesis and Optimization:

• Synthesis: Converting the HDL code into a netlist, representing the circuit’s logical structure.

• Optimization: Minimizing the circuit’s size and improving its performance.

3. Physical Design and Verification:

• Floorplanning: Arranging the circuit elements within the chip area.

• Placement: Positioning the circuit elements on the chip.

• Routing: Connecting the circuit elements with wires.

• Verification: Ensuring the physical layout meets design rules and performance requirements.

Software Tools for ASIC Design

1. Cadence Innovus

• Full-flow tool suite for custom IC and SoCs.

• Supports advanced design methodologies such as FinFET and multi-die integration.

• Offers extensive features for floorplanning, placement, and routing.

2. Synopsys IC Compiler II

• Comprehensive tool for digital IC design.

• Includes synthesis, timing analysis, place and route, and power optimization.

• Provides advanced algorithms for low-power design and timing closure.

3. Mentor Graphics Calibre

• Industry-leading tool for physical verification.

• Ensures the layout meets design rules, manufacturing constraints, and performance targets.

• Offers features for DRC, LVS, and parasitic extraction.

4. Dassault Systèmes CATIA

• System-level design and modeling tool.

• Enables system-level modeling and analysis, including ASIC integration.

• Supports multi-disciplinary design and collaboration.

5. Zuken Cadstar

• Cost-effective tool for PCB design and layout.

• Provides comprehensive features for schematic capture, placement, and routing.

• Offers support for advanced technologies such as high-speed and high-density PCBs.

6. Altium Designer

• Comprehensive suite for PCB and ASIC design.

• Includes schematic capture, simulation, layout, and project management.

• Offers advanced features for multi-board design and signal integrity analysis.

Emerging Trends in ASIC Design

1. Advanced Packaging Technologies:

• 3D packaging, die stacking, and fan-out wafer-level packaging are gaining popularity to improve performance and integration.

2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Design:

• AI-powered tools are used for automated floorplanning, placement, and routing, improving design efficiency and quality.

3. FinFET and Beyond:

• Advanced transistor technologies like FinFET and GAAFETs enable higher performance and lower power consumption in ASIC designs.

4. Security Enhancement:

• ASICs are increasingly being used in security-critical applications, leading to a demand for enhanced security features in design tools.

5. Cloud-Based Design:

• Cloud-based platforms are providing access to high-performance computing resources for ASIC design, enabling faster and more efficient design cycles.

Conclusion

The choice of ASIC design software depends on factors such as design complexity, technology node, and design methodology. Cadence Innovus, Synopsys IC Compiler II, Mentor Graphics Calibre, Dassault Systèmes CATIA, Zuken Cadstar, and Altium Designer are popular tools used by ASIC designers worldwide. Emerging trends in ASIC design, such as advanced packaging, AI in design, and FinFET adoption, require constant innovation and adaptation in the ASIC design tool landscape.