Knowledge Booster Training Bytes - The Spectre X Simulator

3 Apr 2023 • 3 minute read

About ten years after Spectre APS was released, we decided to develop and release a new enhanced SPICE solver that provides improved performance and capacity over Spectre APS. This new solver is called Spectre X. It targets the most challenging simulation problems, including advanced node designs with complex FinFET (and other) device models and challenging RC-dominated post-layout designs.

A big value add of Spectre X is that it significantly simplifies the Spectre simulation use model. Those of you who know Spectre APS well would be aware that over the past few years, Spectre APS use model got more and more complex with the introduction of ++aps, +postlayout, +highvoltage, and other advanced simulation options. With Spectre X, the Spectre simulation use model has been simplified to just five +preset simulation modes - cx, ax, mx, lx, and vx. The cx mode provides the highest accuracy, while the vx mode delivers the highest performance.

Spectre X automatically detects post-layout designs based on either the netlist format (extracted view, DSPF, SPEF), or the ratio of RC elements vs active devices. If a post-layout design is detected, post-layout optimization is automatically enabled that includes optimized DC operating point calculation, parasitic reduction, advanced post-layout solving, and special coupling cap handling.

As they say, watching this in action might help you more than reading about it, so please take a look at our Training Bytes video channel, which offers many helpful videos on how to launch and use the Spectre X tool.

All the related videos are linked together in a channel so that you can easily access and watch as many as you like.

The Spectre X Simulator

Want to learn more?

For lab instructions and a downloadable design, enrol for the below online training course:

High-Performance Spectre Simulation vSPECTRE20.1 (Online)

Training is also available as "blended" or "live" class.

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