Using PyCells in the Laker Matching Device Creator and Stick Diagram Window
Beginning in Q3, 2010, the OpenAccess version of Laker Custom Layout System will enable the use of interoperable PyCells™ with the popular Laker transistor-level floor planning tools, Matching Device Creator and Stick Diagram window. Previously this unique technology was only available for use with our patented Laker MCells™. WithPyCell "stretch handle" and auto-abut capabilities enabled, PyCell placement results can be optimized in the same way as when using MCells; you no longer have to select and place each PyCell manually.
Following is an example of using PyCells in the Matching Device Creator with a user-defined matching pattern:
1. In the Design Browser window of Laker, select the matching transistors and click the Match Device Creator icon.
A window like the one below will appear.
2. Modify the floorplan as desired; you can enable OD sharing if your PyCells support auto-abutment.
3. The Matching Device Router also works with PyCell devices in the Matching Device Creator
To use PyCells in theStick Diagram window, proceed as you would if you were using MCells. The following example uses an existing cell template:
1. In the Design Browser window, select transistors and click the Create icon to bring up the Stick Diagram window.
The features: Merge (for abutable PyCells), swap, split and align work well when using either MCell or PyCell devices.
2. With PyCell stretch handles enabled, designers can align the transistor gates to minimize wiring jogs.
Figure: Translstor floorplan after Split Gate and Align Gate
3. As always, you can preview the result in the preview window before instantiating.
When two MCell transistors are abutted and then the gates stretched apart, the contacts will automatically be centered between the gates. Therefore, when using the Stick Diagram and Matching Device Creator the diffusion contacts will remain centered for abutted transistors as the gates are stretched apart for alignment. As you can see in the picture above, this is not an automatic behavior of PyCells. If you want the same contact centering behavior when using PyCells, the PyCells will have to be configured to center the diffusion contacts.
The Matching Device Creator and Stick Diagram placement results from both examples are shown below.The yellow diamonds in the layout represent the stretch handles for thePyCells.
Using PyCells with the core Laker Stick Diagram and Matching Device Creator features will give designers more layout flexibility by offering both Laker MCells and interoperable PyCells from the foundry iPDK. This will open up the unique automation of the Laker Custom Layout system to users who want unparalleled interoperability in custom IC design.
