Taking another step towards interoperable parameterized cells (p-cells) that can be used with any OpenAccess-based IC layout tool, five EDA vendors have collaborated to develop an open-source, interoperable p-cell library (IPL) generated using technology from Ciranova Inc.
The five companies involved, aside from Ciranova, are Applied Wave Research, Silicon Canvas, Silicon Navigator, and Synopsys. The IPL is available for free download from Ciranova's web site.
Ciranova provides
PyCell Studio, a free Python-based tool that generates PyCells, or "universal" OpenAccess-based p-cells. As of now, most p-cells have been created in Cadence Design Systems' Skill programming language, and are thus restricted to Cadence IC layout tools.
Moving to ensure its availability in case of an acquisition or bankruptcy, Ciranova recently placed source code for PyCell Studio into escrow through the Silicon Integration Initiative. Ciranova also
Ciranova also offers a paid product, PCell Xtreme, which lets users migrate legacy Skill p-cells.
The IPL, said Michael Ma, vice president of business development at Ciranova, is aimed at a "generic" foundry technology file and is intended for proof of concept. "It's a demonstration vehicle," he said. "Go test it out."
Dave Millman, vice president of marketing at Ciranova, said the library is aimed at a 0.13 micron process, and it includes such p-cells as resistors, resistor pairs, combed capacitors, spiral inductors, MOSFETs, and differential pair devices. All five vendors collaborated to develop the library. He said there's an "open invitation" for anybody — including Cadence — to join the collaborative effort.
