Solutions for Mixed-Signal SoC Implementation - Cadence Design ...

Conclusion
Solutions for Mixed-Signal SoC Implementation
As lower process nodes allow bigger and denser chips—enabling designers to pack more and more functionality
onto a single chip—SoC implementation is becoming increasingly difficult. Additionally, today’s SoC designs
include more analog blocks, and a growing number of blocks have both analog and digital circuitry and are thus
truly mixed-signal.
Historically, mixed-signal implementation methodologies involved the import of hardened analog blocks onto a
digital chip, or small amounts of digital logic into analog blocks or ICs. Analog and digital designers often worked
in isolation with little understanding of the challenges and constraints on the other side. The net result was an
ECO-driven flow in which pinouts, floorplans, placement and routing, and tapeouts went through a number of
iterations to produce a working chip.
Still, the existing schematic-driven and netlist-driven implementation flows remain important, and they can be
optimized and improved with a well thought-out methodology that includes a top-level floorplan, analog/digital
block implementation, top-level implementation, and chip assembly and analysis. A common database representation
can greatly ease these flows. Features such as mixed-signal routing, visibility into analog blocks, and
extraction of digital timing paths also aid designers in overcoming SoC challenges.
The solution that’s emerging now is an integrated mixed-signal implementation methodology in which chip
planning, design, implementation, physical verification, and tapeout are shared responsibilities between analog
and digital teams. Analog and digital blocks can be concurrently designed, and floorplanning can be a shared
exercise. This type of flow makes use of the OpenAccess database to provide quick access to all design data by
both analog and digital teams. It also leverages the strengths of existing analog and digital design environments,
using capabilities from each where appropriate.
The new mixed-signal flow supported by Cadence will help both analog and digital designers more efficiently
implement complex mixed-signal designs.
Cadence is transforming the global electronics industry through a vision called EDA360.
With an application-driven approach to design, our software, hardware, IP, and services help
customers realize silicon, SoCs, and complete systems efficiently and profitably. www.cadence.com
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