From Layout to Silicon: Mastering Parasitic Extraction with the Quantus Training

You have closed timing.
Your simulations look clean.
Everything seems ready for tapeout.

Then comes post-layout simulation—and suddenly, your design behaves differently.

What changed?

Parasitics.

Hidden resistances, capacitances, and inductances can significantly impact timing, power, and signal integrity, especially in advanced-node designs. As a result, parasitic extraction has become essential for achieving design closure.

The Cadence Quantus Extraction Solution helps engineers bridge the gap between layout and silicon accuracy. To accelerate learning, Cadence offers the Quantus Training Series:

• QRCTransT1 – Overview and Technology Setup
• QRCTransT2 – Parasitic Extraction
• QRCTransT3 – Extracted View Flows and Advanced Features

Why Parasitic Extraction Is Critical in Advanced Nodes

Parasitic extraction computes unwanted electrical effects from layout geometry and integrates them into simulation models.

At modern nodes:

• Interconnect delays can dominate up to a significant portion of the total delay
• Coupling capacitance leads to crosstalk and noise issues
• Massive parasitic data increases simulation complexity

Without accurate extraction:

• Timing signoff may fail
• Signal integrity issues go undetected
• Silicon may not behave as expected

This makes parasitic extraction not just important—but mission-critical for first-pass silicon success.

Quantus: Built for Today’s Extraction Challenges

The Quantus Extraction Solution delivers:

• Foundry-certified high-accuracy modeling
• 3D field solver for precise capacitance extraction
• Support for hierarchical and flat RLCK extraction
• Massively parallel architecture for faster runtime

It supports digital, analog, and RF designs, making it a unified solution across design domains.

The Quantus Training Series: A Structured Learning Path

The 2-day Quantus Training Series is designed to take engineers from fundamentals to advanced-node mastery.

QRCTransT1 – Overview and Technology Setup

Core Foundation

The journey starts with QRCTransT1, a half-day course in which engineers build a strong conceptual and practical foundation.

What You Learn:

• Fundamentals of parasitic extraction (lumped vs. distributed models)
• Challenges in design closure due to parasitics
• Introduction to understand the Techgen–Quantus flow for accurate parasitic extraction and qrcTechFile creation
• Setting up extraction environments (GUI and command-line)
• Running extraction and creating extracted views
• Leveraging parallel processing for performance

Outcome: You gain the ability to set up and execute extraction flows confidently.

QRCTransT2 – Parasitic Extraction Deep Dive

Hands-on Extraction Expertise

Once the basics are in place, the QRCTransT2 dives into the core of the extraction process over 8 hours.

What You Learn:

• Complete Pegasus–Quantus extraction flow
• Running extraction in GUI and batch modes
• RLCK extraction (resistance, inductance, capacitance, substrate)
• Handling:
  • Hierarchical extraction
  • Multi-corner extraction
  • Incremental extraction for ECO cycles
• Advanced reduction techniques for managing large parasitic datasets
• Practical lab-driven learning:
  • Generating input data from LVS
  • Running RC extraction
  • Configuring extraction settings and filters

Outcome: You become capable of handling real-world extraction scenarios in production flows.

QRCTransT3 – Advanced Features and EMIR Integration

Advanced Node Mastery

The final stage, QRCTransT3, a half-day course, focuses on advanced-node challenges and post-extraction analysis.

What You Learn:

• Extraction challenges in FinFET and advanced-node designs
• Advanced modeling techniques (DPT, airgap dielectrics, 3D-IC)
• Generated extracted views and integration with simulation
• EMIR (Electromigration and IR Drop) analysis flows using Voltus
• Post-layout analysis for reliability and performance

Outcome: You gain expertise in advanced-node design validation and reliability analysis.

How the Training Aligns with Real Design Flows

A typical Quantus extraction flow involves:

1. Creating technology models (qrcTechFile) using Techgen
2. Running LVS (e.g., Pegasus)
3. Performing extraction with Quantus
4. Generating extracted netlists or views for simulation

The training series mirrors this exactly—ensuring engineers are industry-ready.

Flexible Learning, Recognition, and Your Next Step

The Quantus Training Series is available in both classroom and Interactive Learning (iLS) formats, with an optional Accelerated Learning mode to help engineers gain expertise more efficiently.

Accelerated Learning courses are marked with this symbol  in our Learning Maps.

After completing the training, you can take the post-course quiz to earn a Digital Badge that validates your knowledge and can be shared on professional and social platforms.

Whether you are building foundational skills or advancing your expertise in parasitic extraction, now is the time to invest in your skills. Start your Quantus learning journey today and accelerate your path toward silicon-accurate design success.

Related Resources

Do You Have Access to the Cadence ASK Portal?

If not, follow the steps below to create your account:

• On the Cadence ASK portal, select Register Now and provide the requested information on the Registration page.
• You will need an email address and host ID to sign up.
• If you need help with registration, contact support@cadence.com.

To stay up-to-date with the latest news and information about Cadence training and webinars, subscribe to the Cadence Training emails.

If you have questions about courses, schedules, online, public, or live onsite training, reach out to us at Cadence Training.

About Knowledge Booster Training Bytes

Knowledge Booster Training Bytes is an online journal that relays information about Cadence Training videos, online courses, and upcoming webinars in the Learning section of the Cadence Learning and Support portal. This blog category brings you direct links to these videos, courses, and other related material on a regular basis. Subscribe to receive email notifications about our latest Custom IC Design blog posts.

Jentil K Tom, on behalf of the Cadence Training Team