Generator based approach for analog circuit and layout design and optimization

Abstract

Layout generation remains a critical bottleneck in analog circuit design. It is especially distracting when re-using an existing design for a similar specification or when transferring a working design to a new technology. This paper presents a new methodology for layout generation of analog circuits that is based on a modular circuit design and a so-called "executable design flow description". This is created once manually and allows to describe the layout in a technology independent and parameterizable manner assuring a consistent view of circuit and layout design. Complex layouts can be created in negligible time, achieving an early involvement of layout effects in the circuit design. Furthermore, the parameterization of the design description allows simplified technology transfer and seamless access to sizing tools.