Lecture Notes: Design and Timing Setup in ICC

Overview

• Focus on the first stage of design and timing setup.
• Two main components: Design Setup and Timing Setup.

Design Setup

• Components of Design Setup:
  • Standard Cells:
    • Provided by the foundry.
    • Defined heights and specific functions (e.g., AND, OR, NAND, multiplexers).
    • Includes logical and physical information used for routing.
  • Technology Files (.tf):
    • Contain design rules: metal layers, expected widths, spacings.
    • Include RC model files (TLU+), which hold RC lookup tables.
  • Gate Level Netlist:
    • Generated by the synthesis tool, guided by timing constraints.
  • Constraints:
    • Timing constraints (Multi-corner, Multi-mode - MCM).
  • Floor Planning Information:
    • Derived from a potential two-pass synthesis flow.

Information Flow in ICC

• Block Definition in ICC2:
  • Design related information (constraints, netlist) is locally copied.
  • Technology-related information (standard cells, NDAs) is accessed externally.
  • Hard vs. Dotted Arrows:
    • Hard Arrows: Local copies are created in ICC2.
    • Dotted Arrows: Tool fetches information externally as needed.

New Data Model (NDM)

• Purpose:
  • Efficient representation of technology-related information.
  • Used in PNR (Place and Route) processes.
• Components:
  • Timing, power information, physical models, RC models.
• Created within ICC2 using library manager shell.

Key Terminology

• NDA (New Data Model):
  • A database structure for organizing technology information.
  • Comprises logical and physical models.
• ICC2 Compiler:
  • Merges design data (netlists, constraints) and technology data to form NDM libraries.

Importance for Interviews

• Understanding of design setup, timing setup, and related terminologies is essential.
• Familiarity with files and their roles (e.g., .tf, TLU+, NDM) is crucial.

Conclusion

• The lecture focused on the initial setup phase in ICC2, emphasizing the importance of organizing design and technology data for efficient synthesis and place and route processes. Knowing these processes and terminologies is vital for industry roles and interviews.