Overcoming obstacles with mixed-signal and analog design integration

Mixed-signal and analog design are key aspects of modern electronics. Every chip incorporates some form of analog IP, as even digital logic is dependent on analog signals for critical functions. Many digital design engineers are known to be uncomfortable with the prospect of integrating analog components. However, the current shortage of analog design engineers means that more digital designers are having to take on this daunting task. Here, we address the main integration issues and look at how recent developments in analog IP technology from Agile Analog are helping to make analog design far less complex, costly and time-consuming.

Traditional mixed-signal and analog design integration issues

Integrating analog and digital functions can result in a complicated design. Ensuring that a chip design meets all requirements can be challenging. Digital design engineers have often relied on reusable digital IP blocks, but the opportunity for design reuse has been limited with analog and mixed-signal designs as these usually involve bespoke solutions for each project. Mixed-signal circuits require close attention to physical layout, as well as correct component placement for compactness and peak performance. It’s also crucial to manage voltage levels, signal levels and signal processing between analog and digital components to enable seamless functionality.

Specialized techniques are needed for controlling noise and interference in mixed-signal systems, because of the sensitive nature of analog circuits and potentially noisy digital elements. Balancing power consumption and temperature regulation in mixed-signal systems adds an extra degree of difficulty, as digital and analog components may have different power requirements. Simulation demands a high level of precision to account for the continuous range of possible values. Testing traditional mixed-signal systems can lead to further challenges as this can involve expensive equipment, as well as time-intensive verification processes that may be alien to digital engineers.

Embracing advances in analog IP

Overcoming the obstacles with traditional mixed-signal and analog design integration can be tricky. Fortunately, following new advances in the analog IP sector, there is now an alternative fresh approach. At Agile Analog, we can automatically generate analog IP that meets the customer’s exact specifications, for any process and foundry, from legacy nodes right up to advanced nodes. Parameters such as accuracy, power consumption, die area, sensitivity and speed can be optimized to suit the precise requirements of the application.

The Agile Analog team is fully focused on expanding our analog IP product portfolio and helping chip design engineers by simplifying mixed-signal and analog design integration. Agile Analog is changing the landscape of analog IP and transforming the way analog circuits are developed. Disrupting analog design methodologies that have remained the same for decades. Removing the hassle, delay and expense associated with conventional custom IP. We can also regenerate analog IP using a foundry PDK, so it is straightforward to make modifications. For example, it is not necessary to process port all analog circuits when moving to a smaller process node as this Agile Analog IP can simply be regenerated.

Our growing range of customizable analog IP solutions cover data conversion, power management, IC monitoring, security and always-on IP, with a vast array of applications including HPC (High Performance Computing), IoT, AI and security. All Agile Analog IP comes with a comprehensive set of IP deliverables – including test specifications, documentation, simulation outputs and verification models. This digitally wrapped IP can be seamlessly integrated into any SoC, substantially cutting the complexity, constraints, risks and costs of analog design. Speeding up the time-to-design will help to accelerate the time-to-market for new semiconductor devices and encourage further innovation across the global semiconductor industry.

Learn more at www.agileanalog.com

Chris Morrison has over 15 years’ experience of delivering innovative analog, digital, power management and audio solutions for International electronics companies, and developing strong relationships with key partners across the semiconductor industry. Currently he is the Director of Product Marketing at Agile Analog, the customizable analog IP company. Previously he has held engineering positions, including 10 years at Dialog Semiconductor, now acquired by Renesas. Chris has an engineering degree in computer and electronic systems from the University of Strathclyde and a masters’ degree in system level integration from the University of Edinburgh.

Chris Morrison, Director of Product Marketing, Agile Analog

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