CACE Analog/Mixed-Signal Design Flow

This two-week course covers the open source analog and mixed-signal design flow using the CACE system.

Topics

• Introduction to open source PDKs and tools
• Overview of the CACE design flow
• Specifying circuit performance requirements
• Simulating over PVT corners with ngspice
• Generating datasheets with performance metrics
• Laying out analog circuits with magic
• Integrating analog blocks into larger mixed-signal designs
• Case studies and examples

Suggested Exercises

• Specify and simulate a basic opamp design
• Generate a performance report for the opamp
• Create a layout for the opamp
• Integrate the opamp into a mixed-signal design
• Analyze the impact of PVT variations

Questions

• What are the key components of the CACE design flow?
• How does CACE help with specifying analog performance?
• What tools are used for simulation and layout in this flow?
• How can you verify an analog design across PVT corners?
• What are best practices for analog circuit layout?