Keysight Technologies, Synopsys and Ansys announce a new reference flow for the N4PRF process: 4nm RF FinFET technology from semiconductor manufacturer TSMC. The new flow is based on the Synopsys Custom Design Family. This offers a complete solution for open RF design environments with higher prediction accuracy and productivity. It includes validated integration with Keysight's RFIC design and EM (electromagnetic) analysis tools. Also included are Ansys' EM modeling and signoff power integrity solutions.
Next-generation wireless systems bring higher bandwidths, lower latencies and wider coverage. The complexity of RF integrated circuits, such as transceivers and RF front-ends, is increasing. Layout-dependent effects make high-speed design a challenge that requires more comprehensive modeling and simulation to achieve the highest product performance and reliability.
The N4PRF design reference flow improves layout productivity in the Synopsys Custom Compiler design and layout environment through rigorous validation using critical design components such as low-noise amplifiers and LC-tuned voltage-controlled oscillators. The flow includes tools that enable efficient passive device synthesis, EM model extraction, and heat-based electromigration analysis that includes device metal. This results in post-layout extraction with correct handling of conversational user interface (CUI) structures.
In addition to the Synopsys Custom Compiler, the open reference flow includes: signoff accuracy of circuit simulation from Synopsys PrimeSim simulation tools and the PrimeSim Reliability Environment, as well as signoff solutions for physical verification and extraction from Synopsys IC Validator and Synopsys StarRC. Ansys Totem provides thermal signoff electromigration testing and power integrity analysis. RaptorX and Exalto provide electromagnetic modeling with CUI capabilities for significant area reduction. VeloceRF enables fully automated layout synthesis for electromagnetic devices, including multilayer inductor spirals and transmission lines. Keysight PathWave ADS RFPro includes fast, interactive EM circuit co-simulation and analysis to resolve layout-dependent effects in the design cycle. PathWave RFIC Design (GoldenGate) supports harmonic balance simulation in the early chip design and verification process.
