Cadence and Intel collaborate to release 14nm library characterization reference flow

Cadence Design Systems and Intel have delivered a 14nm library characterization reference flow for customers of Intel Custom Foundry, continuing their collaboration on enabling digital and custom/analog flows for the Intel 14nm platform, according to the companies. The library characterization reference flow is centered on the Cadence Virtuoso Liberate Characterization solution and Spectre Circuit Simulator and enables accurate 14nm logic libraries.

The reference flow for 14nm logic libraries enables the creation of Liberty libraries, AOCV de-rating tables, library validation and reliability views. The reference flow was developed using Virtuoso Liberate, Virtuoso Liberate LV, Virtuoso Variety characterization solutions and Spectre Circuit Simulator to deliver accurate logic libraries, including advanced timing models (ECSM, CCS), advanced noise models (ECSMN, CCSN), and advanced power models (ECSMP, CCSP). The reference flow enables Intel Custom Foundry customers to re-characterize the logic libraries for custom process, voltage or temperature corners or to characterize custom cells following a similar characterization methodology.

Intel Custom Foundry has developed an extensive design platform on Intel's 14nm Tri-gate process technology for systems-on-chip (SoCs) targeted at cloud infrastructure and mobile applications. Intel's 14nm platform is the second generation to use 3D Tri-gate transistors that enable chips to operate at lower voltage with lower leakage, providing an unprecedented combination of improved performance and energy efficiency compared to previous state-of-the-art transistors.

"Accurate logic libraries are required to enable our customers to implement and verify differentiated SoCs on Intel's 14nm design platform," said Ali Farhang, vice president, Design and Enablement Services, Intel Custom Foundry. "Intel Custom Foundry's 14nm characterization reference flow includes best characterization practices jointly developed by Intel Custom Foundry and Cadence and can accelerate the ramp-up time for customers who need to re-characterize libraries."

"Our collaboration with Intel on the 14nm library characterization reference flow follows the enablement of Cadence custom/analog tools on Intel Custom Foundry's 14nm design platform we announced last year," said Tom Beckley, senior VP, Custom IC & PCB Group at Cadence. "Our mutual customers can now leverage our best-in-class characterization solution and Intel's 14nm process to build differentiated products."