ACM2 – A design-oriented model for open-source tools
- Speakers: Deni Alves
- email: deni-germano.alves-neto@univ-grenoble-alpes.fr
Downloads
Abstract
Textbooks for integrated circuits (IC) design present oversimplified MOSFET models valid only in specific regions of operation. On the other hand, the accurate BSIM/PSP models, available with most of the process design kits (PDKs), are highly complex and need hundreds of parameters. To bridge the gap between the oversimplified design models and the highly complex simulation ones, in this presentation, we will introduce the ACM2 model, which is a design-oriented transistor model valid in all the operating regions of the MOS device with only five meaningful DC electrical parameters, the five parameters are the threshold voltage, the specific current, the slope factor, the drain-induced barrier lowering (DIBL) coefficient sigma and the parameter zeta associated to velocity saturation phenomena. These few but meaningful parameters greatly help properly size transistors in the pre-simulation phase of a design flow. Furthermore, with the open-source PDKs and tools, the simplicity of the model equations and the reduced number of parameters makes the new model attractive for newcomers in the IC design area, as well as for the experienced ones in the pre-simulation phase of a design flow.
This talk will show that the ACM2 can be used to design and simulate circuits in all three open-source PDKs (Skywater130, GF180, and IHP SG13G2) due to the universality of the Verilog-A language.