iPDK for 0.35µm analog semiconductor special process
Foundry customers can design complex ICs using a variety of EDA vendor tools.

ams (CEO Jong-Deok Lee of Korea) announced the launch of its first interoperable process design kit (iPDK) for 0.35µm analog semiconductor specialty processes.

iPDK is based on the OpenAccess database and uses a unified architecture as well as standard languages to enable interoperability with various EDA vendor tools.

The new iPDK v4.10 significantly improves time-to-market strategies for highly competitive products in the analog-intensive mixed-signal space. Featuring highly accurate simulation modules and a comprehensive design environment leveraging PyCells (parametrized device layout) based on the Python programming language, it offers a proven approach for semiconductor design.

ams' new iPDK v4.10 supports high-performance 0.35µm process technologies: C35 (CMOS), S35 (SiGe-BiCMOS) and H35 (High-Voltage CMOS). ams' iPDKs contain silicon-proven digital, analog and RF library elements, and include a complete set of low-voltage devices (3.3V and 5.0V) and high-voltage devices (10V, 20V, 50V and 120V) in various gate oxide thicknesses.

Area-optimized, high-density digital libraries are available for both 3.3V and 5V, as well as a wide selection of digital and analog IO libraries, covering the entire 0.35µm process family.

It includes fully characterized simulation models for a large set of simulators, a two-purpose set of extraction and verification operations, Calibre, Assura, and an automatic layout device generator (PyCells). This provides product developers with a plug-and-play tool set for "first-time-right" design with their chosen EDA vendor's tools.

“Foundry customers developing complex analog mixed-signal products will benefit in two ways,” said Markus Wuchse, General Manager of ams’ Full Service Foundry division. “First, the new iPDK provides an integrated design environment and proven design flow based on ams’ benchmark process design kit, hitkit.” Second, iPDK enables interoperability with tools from multiple EDA vendors,” he said. “Providing greater flexibility in EDA tool selection and expanding our foundry services and technology portfolio means our customers can immediately begin design activities and focus more on designing chips that are key to their competitive edge.”

The new iPDK is based on ams' industry-leading benchmark design environment (hitkit) and is available for the C35, H35, and S35 processes. The iPDK has been tested and qualified with Keysight EEsof EDA Advanced Design System (ADS) 2016.01 and Synopsys Galaxy Custom Designer 2014.12. For more information on the new iPDK and foundry support server, please visit http://asic.ams.com/iPDK410.