Custom IC Design Blogs

We've been busy improving the usability of the Analog Design Environment products Virtuoso ADE Assembler and Virtuoso ADE Explorer over the recent releases. I'll explain some of these usability updates that have been added between IC6.1.8/ICADVM20.1 ISR13 and ISR18 in this blog.

Viewing Model Files for Corners

A short cut to view the model files has been added to the Corners Setup form in ISR13. Simply right-click on a model file name and choose 'View Model File' to open the model file in your favorite editor.

Changing the Design for Multiple Tests

I bet that you would have wished to be able to change the design for multiple tests at the same time in Virtuoso ADE Assembler. You'll be pleased to know that from ISR14 you can do this. Just multi-select the tests, right-click and select 'Design' and in the Choose Design form tat displays, select the design to be changed for the selected tests.

Click <Yes> in the popup to confirm your decision.

Changing a Maestro CellView to be Read Only or Editable

Another feature that we have recently added is the ability to change the maestro view to read only or editable mode in Virtuoso ADE Assembler. This is now supported through the File menu from ISR16.

Renaming Setup States

I'm sure you've wanted to be able to rename setup states in the Data View assistant in Virtuoso ADE Assembler, in the same way you could rename tests, corners or variables. From ISR16, you just need to click the name of a setup state and rename it.

Changing Status of Design Variables

Another small but hopefully useful feature added to Virtuoso ADE Assembler in ISR18 is the ability to toggle the enabled and disabled status of the design variables as shown below. Just right-click the selected design variables and choose 'Enable/Disable'.

Enhancements to Run Preview

If you've been using the Run Preview table to see the points you can run, you will be pleased to know we have added filters to the top of the columns from ISR14, making it easy to find the points you are interested in. From ISR18, the Monte Carlo run mode is supported, but only for a fixed number of Monte Carlo points.

Stay tuned, as we're working on more usability enhancements over the upcoming ISRs.

Related Resources

For more information on Cadence circuit design products and services, visit www.cadence.com.

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