CharLib: an open-source standard-cell library characterizer

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File:FSiC 2025 CharLib Slides.pdf

Abstract

CharLib[1] is an standard cell library characterizer that aims to be as easy to use as possible. The tool can be configured using a single YAML file, with sane defaults provided wherever feasible. At this stage the tool is still in its infancy, but third-party comparisons[2] show it to be highly accurate for combinational standard cell timing. We provide a brief overview of the tool and how it works, followed by a discussion of current challenges and development goals.

Software

General information

Roadmap

  • The software wishes to interface with the following tools: Xyce, ngspice, and other circuit simulators; any and every standard cell library (including your PDK!); liberty-parser
  • The project seeks help on: documentation (sorry), improving simulation models, SRAM characterization, and much more

References

  1. M. Mellor & J. Stine, "CharLib: An Open Source Standard Cell Library Characterizer", IEEE 67th International Midwest Symposium on Circuits and Systems, (August 2024), 277-281.
  2. Z. Chen et. al, "Boosting Standard Cell Library Characterization with Machine Learning", Proceedings of the 30th Asia and South Pacific Design Automation Conference, (March 2025), 385-391.