Mentor DefectSim Seen as Breakthrough for AMS Test

Mentor DefectSim Seen as Breakthrough for AMS Test
by Mitch Heins on 11-21-2016 at 4:00 pm

For decades, digital test has been fully automated including methodologies and automation for test pattern generation, grading and test time compression. Automation for analog and mixed-signal (AMS) IC test has not however kept pace. This is troubling as according to IBSapproximately 85% of SoC design starts are now AMS designs.… Read More


Can one flow bring four domains together?

Can one flow bring four domains together?
by Don Dingee on 10-28-2016 at 4:00 pm

IoT edge device design means four domains – MEMS, analog, digital, and RF – not only work together, but often live on the same die (or substrate in a 2.5D process) and are optimized for power and size. Getting these domains to work together effective calls for an enhanced flow.

Historically, these domains have not played together … Read More


3 Small-Team Design Productivity Challenges Managed

3 Small-Team Design Productivity Challenges Managed
by Don Dingee on 09-21-2016 at 4:00 pm

“Data management tools? We use small teams doing small designs. Each project only has two or three designers. Everyone uses the same EDA tools. Why do we need another tool for collaboration?” Good question. If you enjoy frequent meetings and redoing work because someone didn’t understand the status of IP blocks, the answers may… Read More


Organizing Data is First Step in Managing AMS Designs

Organizing Data is First Step in Managing AMS Designs
by Don Dingee on 09-14-2016 at 4:00 pm

Efficient collaboration is essential to meeting tight chip design schedules. In analog and mixed signal (AMS) design, collaboration has many facets. Design tools are usually specific to roles, and handoffs are numerous, especially when moving a design to a foundry. … Read More


Customized PMICs with OTP in automotive and IoT

Customized PMICs with OTP in automotive and IoT
by Don Dingee on 08-24-2016 at 4:00 pm

Power. Every device needs it. Managing it properly can make all the difference between a device people enjoy using and one that is more hassle than it is worth. What happens between the battery and the processor is the job of the power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

Why are PMICs gaining so much attention? Increased power … Read More


Webinar Alert – Helping Mixed Signal not be Mixed Up

Webinar Alert – Helping Mixed Signal not be Mixed Up
by Don Dingee on 08-10-2016 at 4:00 pm

Today’s profound statement: “don’t fall in love with your tools, figure out the biz process change first.” Mixed-signal SoC designers are having ample challenges with their design process and are in need of design management, but don’t want another tool to do it.… Read More


One transistor for the future of mmWave?

One transistor for the future of mmWave?
by Don Dingee on 08-03-2016 at 4:00 pm

We’ve heard recently from several sources that millimeter wave radios, once the exclusive realm of defense and satellite use, are now finding homes in applications such as automotive radar and 5G networks. Therein lies a significant opportunity for digital design: moving frequency conversion and filtering from the analog … Read More


Synopsys’ New Circuit Simulation Environment Improves Productivity — for Free

Synopsys’ New Circuit Simulation Environment Improves Productivity — for Free
by Pawan Fangaria on 02-07-2016 at 12:00 pm

When technology advances, complexities increase and data size becomes unmanageable. Fresh thinking and a new environment for automation are needed to provide the required increase in productivity. Specifically in case of circuit simulation of advanced-node analog designs, where precision is paramount and a large number… Read More


Mass customization coming to MEMS?

Mass customization coming to MEMS?
by Don Dingee on 12-18-2015 at 10:00 am

With the industry abuzz about the Apple purchase of a Maxim Integrated fab as a potential R&D facility for MEMS design, it begs the question: is creating a MEMS device that easy?

MEMS technology is approaching the same fork in the road where digital design encountered LSI four decades earlier. … Read More


Optimizing power for wearables

Optimizing power for wearables
by Bernard Murphy on 12-06-2015 at 4:00 pm

I was at the Cadence front-end summit this week; good conference with lots of interesting information. I’ll start with a panel on optimizing power for wearables. Panelists were Anthony Hill from TI, Fred Jen from Qualcomm, Leah Clark from Broadcom and Jay Roy from Cadence. Panels are generally most entertaining when the panelists… Read More