Enhancing Hands-On Skill in Designing IC Layout through In-expensive Software Tools

Abstract

This paper describes the fundamental process of ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) design flow right from gates level until the complete structure for prototyping. The sample of product used was taken from a special project called Time to Digital Converter (TDC). The project was under full support from University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK and SUN Microsystem, USA. The TDC structure is fully digital operated circuit and was purposely developed to perform as Build in Self Test (BIST) scheme for embedded timing measurement applications. The layout implementing 0.18 µm technology was successfully designed and simulated using ELECTRIC VLSI software tool and the final layout has been accepted for fabrication after fulfilled all parameter rules check carried out at SUN MICROSYSTEM, USA.