What This Document Is
This is a detailed laboratory guide for an introductory digital integrated circuits course. It focuses on the practical process of circuit extraction – taking a physical layout of a circuit and translating it into a simulation-ready netlist. This guide is designed to walk students through the steps of preparing and analyzing circuits using industry-standard Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools. It’s a hands-on exploration of how theoretical designs become verifiable simulations.
Why This Document Matters
This resource is essential for students learning about the implementation of digital circuits. It bridges the gap between schematic design and actual silicon realization. Students enrolled in courses covering CMOS circuits, VLSI design, or microelectronics will find this particularly valuable. It’s most useful when you’re actively engaged in a lab component of your coursework and need a clear, step-by-step reference for using Cadence and related simulation software. Understanding circuit extraction is a foundational skill for anyone pursuing a career in integrated circuit design or verification.
Topics Covered
* SPICE netlist generation from layout
* Utilization of Cadence extraction tools
* Interpreting extracted layout views (layers, ports, nets)
* Setting up and running simulations using Analog Environment
* Netlist file examination and modification
* Model library integration and management
* DC transfer characteristics and transient response analysis
* Parameter extraction from simulation results
What This Document Provides
* A structured workflow for extracting circuits from layout.
* Guidance on navigating the Cadence interface for extraction and simulation.
* Information on preparing netlists for accurate simulation.
* Instructions on modifying netlists to incorporate specific model libraries.
* A framework for analyzing simulation results to characterize circuit behavior.
* Details on setting up simulation environments for specific analyses.
