Open Current-Source Model Unifies Timing, Noise, And Power

Dec. 15, 2005

As IC designers migrate to 90-nm processes and look ahead to 65 nm, it's more critical than ever to supply implementation flows with accurate physical models. Timing, noise, and power effects at these geometries are heavily interdependent and can no longer be analyzed in isolation. To this end, Synopsys now offers a unified current-source modeling technology that enables comprehensive analysis of these effects.

The Composite Current Source (CCS) modeling technology was initially launched in October 2004 for timing models. Since then, it has been extended to encompass noise and power. With CCS technology, designers can model such deep-submicron effects as high-impedance interconnects, Miller effects, dynamic IR drop, and driver weakening.

To speed adoption of CCS, which is an open library model, Synopsys offers a complete support system for library creation and validation. Support includes an open-source Liberty modeling format, parsers, characterization/validation tools, and guidelines to aid in library creation.

In addition, Synopsys' Galaxy design platform supports the CCS modeling technology. Galaxy users can use CCS models to help eliminate extra design margins and to close designs more quickly.

Synopsys
www.synopsys.com

About the Author

David Maliniak | MWRF Executive Editor

In his long career in the B2B electronics-industry media, David Maliniak has held editorial roles as both generalist and specialist. As Components Editor and, later, as Editor in Chief of EE Product News, David gained breadth of experience in covering the industry at large. In serving as EDA/Test and Measurement Technology Editor at Electronic Design, he developed deep insight into those complex areas of technology. Most recently, David worked in technical marketing communications at Teledyne LeCroy. David earned a B.A. in journalism at New York University.