Et4293/ Assignment

The information in this page is tentative, and still subject to change.

Brief

  • slides - 1-up version of assignment instruction slides
  • 6up - 6-up version of assignment instruction slides
  • assignment - handout for layout assignment. Also see CadenceLocalGuide.
  • sourceme, dot-cdsinit, cds.lib - setup files. See explanation in handout and CadenceLocalGuide. (Sourceme updated as of Feb 18, 2013.)
  • bsimmodels - Spectre models for 250 nm tech of book, see SpectreIntro. Needed for Assignment 1 (Spectre).
  • 3_11.scs - for running example solution of excercise 3.11
  • slides - 1-up version of design rules, for assignment 2.
  • 6up - 6-up version of design rules, for assignment 2.

Further Information

MSc Lab

You can use the computers in the ground floor of the low part of the EWI building, Room LH 05.30. (This is along the right hand side of the long corridor towards the Dimes building.) The doors have a code lock, you get the code in class. You will be able to login to these machines with your NetID, and Cadence is available with the proper (UMC 90) design kit. The machines only run Linux. The lab will be done in teams of 2, please be careful that you have a good understanding between each other about where (in which of the two accounts) the important design data will be stored, and that you can share data and work.

You have to register for time slots, on the sheets available in the lab. If there is a free computer, you can use it until somebody arrives who is registered. However, for reducing peak hour computer usage, we will make two groups of students whereby both groups can schedule computer time on alternating days. Moreover, you will not be allowed to register more than 2 blocks in advance.

Linux Getting Started

If you are not yet familiar with Linux, the first thing to do is to make make yourself familiar with the Linux operating system See LinuxStart. The Cadence system (and many other IC design tools, but in fact many other scientific and engineering tools), require a certain level of Linux/Unix skills.

Spectre Getting Started

First, you should work through Chapter 2 of the Spectre User Manual (for simulation). This manual can be found via the Cadence Local Guide. Tips for working through this manual can be found in SpectreIntro. Here you will also find an example of solving Exercise 3.11 from the book exercises (available on the Rabaey site). It also points to a suitable model file.

Cell Design Getting Started

After being sufficiently familiar with circuit simulation, you should work through Chapter 1 of the Cell Design Tutorial. See CadenceLocalGuide. A handout is here for download.

Documentation

  • Linux documentation, including how to start for beginners, is collected in LinuxStart.
  • A Cadence Local Guide provides the details for the local installation of Cadence that we will be using for the Et4293 course. Please know this document before beginning with Cadence. It also contains instructions of where and how to find and open the Cadence documentation.
  • Information on running Cadence is widely available on the internet. Cdsdoc provides some links.
  • Local information on IC Design, Tools, Technologies, etc. in general, not tailored to the Et4293 course in general, can be found here