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SpringSoft has releasesed the latest version of its Laker Advanced Design Platform (ADP) design entry tool, completing its front-to-back custom IC layout flow based on the OpenAccess (OA) standard. The new software includes a range of new features and improvements for design entry, analysis and navigation.
The Laker ADP tool set is an integrated system that includes a full-featured schematic entry tool, an open simulation console for managing interfaces to third-party simulation tools, and an interactive waveform analyzer. Now, with OA support, users can move between the Laker ADP and layout environments, providing a streamlined path to the automation benefits of the Laker custom layout platform.
“The latest release of Laker ADP provides a complete OA-based custom IC design flow, allowing new levels of productivity as well as integration with other critical tools in the design flow,” said JT Li, VP of Physical Design & Technology Product Group, at SpringSoft.
The OA standardisation effort was initiated by Si2 to reduce the number of translation steps in the typical electronic design automation (EDA) flow with a single database and application programming interface (API) created specifically for IC design. SpringSoft has invested to make OA viable and productive for IC designers, collaborating with other companies and key OA supporters to develop, test and implement the infrastructure and technologies required to enable true interoperability within a heterogeneous tool environment.
With OA implementation in Laker ADP, the entire Laker tool flow from design through layout now supports the Interoperable PDK Libraries (IPL) Alliance standard 1.0, including iCDF, callbacks and PyCells, providing compatibility with interoperable process design kits (iPDKs) from leading foundries. OA support in Laker ADP also allows easy integration of third-party tools within system through the OA API.
In addition to OA support, the new Laker ADP release improves existing functionality and adds some time-saving features that will facilitate better integration with third-party tools and more in-depth design analysis of complex designs. These include an enhanced open simulation console for more efficient interaction with popular analogue simulators, allowing designers to specify simulation parameters and execute simulation runs without leaving the Laker ADP environment. Enhancements to the schematic editor include multi-sheet support, infix mode editing, on-screen parameter editing, auto-completion of wiring, and dynamic net highlighting.
JT Li added, “As designs become more complex, it is important that we continue to add capabilities that further automate the design creation and analysis process, and provide more comprehensive support for analogue and mixed-signal design functions. With this latest release, we have enhanced the entry point for custom IC design while maintaining the familiar look-and-feel and benefits of our schematic-driven layout system.”
