Characterized libraries can be qualified and evaluated against a series of test circuits to ensure Spice-level accuracy and correlation with Static Timing Analysis (STA).

The characterization engine performs detailed cell circuit analysis that automatically determines the required set of stimuli and creates Spice decks to perform all characterization measurements for both combinational and sequential digital logic cells.

Key Features and Benefits

• Built-in Spice simulator, plus full integration with Eldo, HSpice and Spectre Spice simulators
• Advanced characterization for timing, power and noise through current source modeling (CCS and ECSM), which improves characterization accuracy, and takes advantage of the latest static timing and synthesis tools from Synopsys, Cadence and Magma
• Fully automated Spice-deck generation based on both cell parameters and functionality, which ensures that all necessary logical combinations of stimuli have been simulated
• Integrated Nangate parasitic extraction engine as well as interface to industry-standard extraction engines allows use of GDSII input
• Full integration with the databook generator in Nangate Liberty Analyzer™ provides hierarchical databooks for easy navigation using a standard HTML browser

Nangate Library Quality Management™

With the Library Quality Management option, characterized libraries can be qualified and evaluated against a series of test circuits to ensure that results obtained are accurate and consistent all the way through Static Timing Analysis and sign-off. The Nangate Library Characterizer generates a comparison report that will highlight any discrepancies which may require further calibration and characterization. This functionality is especially called for when:

• Foundries provide updated transistor models
• Introducing new tools or versions of tools into the flow (e.g. new Spice version, STA tool, etc.)
• Qualifying or evaluating different timing models (e.g. NLDM vs. CCS or ECSM)
• Running at non-nominal PVT corners where standard cells can become significantly nonlinear in their behavior
  

General Specifications

• Supports fully configurable two-dimensional and three-dimensional lookup tables for non-linear delay model characterization (NLDM) and Current Source Model characterization (both CCS and ECSM)
• Accurate input waveform generation from pre-cell drivers and multi-point PWL waveforms
• Scalable parallel execution of Spice simulations through:
• LSF™ from Platform Computing®
• SUN® Grid Engine (SGE)
• Multi-threaded processing
• Intuitive graphical wizard interface for commonly used settings as well as extensive advanced configuration options for additional characterization parameters
• Shared database model and seamless interface with Nangate Library Creator™ for integrated library development
• Built-in verification of stimuli, results and model
• Built-in extraction engine as well as interface to industry-standard extraction engines
• Alternative input format options including GDSII and Spice circuit netlists
• Re-characterization of any previously simulated Liberty™ file
• Flexible databook generator providing HTML output
• Full scripting interface support

Broad Coverage of Different Cell Types

• Single and multi-output combinational cells including differential cells
• Sequential and combinational one-hot cells
• Complex latches and flip-flops including SR-latches and flip-flops
• Tri-state cells, level-shifter cells and cells with multiple supplies
• Custom cells

Measurements

• State-dependent propagation delay and output transition time
• Minimum pulse width
• Setup, hold, recovery and removal
• State-dependent internal static, dynamic, switching, leakage and average power
• Input pin capacitance
• CCS and ECSM timing, power and noise
• Zero cycle checks

Platform Support

• Redhat Linux® x86 and x86_64

Inputs

• Liberty library model file, including PG-pin syntax
• Extracted cell netlists or GDSII
• Foundry-provided transistor models

Outputs

• Liberty (.lib) formatted library, with CCS and ECSM timing, power and noise
• Verilog®
• Library databook in HTML format

If you would like to receive more information about the Nangate Library Characterizer, please register yourself at the Nangate Resource Center or send an email to .

If you would like to schedule a personal demonstration, sign up at the Nangate Demo Center.