Virtuoso Meets Maxwell: Virtuoso Studio Revolutionizes SiP DRC Verification

‘Virtuoso Meets Maxwell’ is a blog series that explores the Virtuoso RF and Multi-Technology Solutions. So, how does Virtuoso meet Maxwell? This is done by combining the industry leader in custom design, Virtuoso Studio, with powerful EM solvers that address a wide range of design needs. This series features the voices of Cadence experts who share their experience with various tools in the Virtuoso IC and Allegro Packaging world, along with the nuances of RF, microwave, and high-frequency designs. Watch for our posts on Mondays.

Welcome to the fast-paced world of semiconductor design, where every detail counts!  Imagine designing your favorite gadgets and ensuring they work seamlessly without a hitch. Well, that's where Virtuoso Studio and Allegro X Advanced Package Designer step in, making your SiP DRC verification a breeze!

Virtuoso Studio: Your SiP Design Assistant

Picture Virtuoso Studio as your trusty sidekick for SiP verification, armed with an arsenal of tools to tackle even the trickiest SiP designs. Here's what it brings to the table:

1. Design Rule Checking (DRC): No more sweating over manufacturing rules! Virtuoso Studio SiP DRC Check ensures your designs stay on track, spotting any potential issues before you tape-out. It's like having a personal design assistant that double-checks your work, giving you peace of mind as you navigate the intricate world of process rules for SiP layouts.
2. Check Against Source (CAS): It's like having a second pair of eyes! CAS makes sure your layout matches your schematic perfectly, eliminating any sneaky discrepancies. If CAS reports any violations, just use the built-in annotation browser to quickly find error markers and ensure design integrity. Think of it as your design buddy, always there to make sure your layout is in sync with your vision (schematic). 
3. Layout vs Abstract (LVA): Precision is the name of the game! LVA keeps your die bump alignments in check, so your IC and package play nice together. With LVA, you can ensure that every tiny bump is in its rightful place, guaranteeing the best performance of your SiP module. If they are not perfect, simply run the fix operation to make the necessary corrections.
4. Layouts Compare: Spot the difference, anyone? Virtuoso Studio lets you compare layouts effortlessly so you can see exactly what's changed. It's like having a before-and-after snapshot of your design, making it easy to track modifications and ensure they're just what you intended.

Easy-Peasy DRC Verification with Virtuoso Studio SiP DRC Check

Running DRC checks with Virtuoso Studio is a walk in the park!  Let’s take closer look at how to do it:

1. Launch Virtuoso Studio: Start Virtuoso Studio and load your design. Dive into your project with confidence, knowing that Virtuoso Studio has your back every step of the way.

2. Initiate SiP DRC Check: Hit the Module menu and give SiP DRC Check a high-five. With just a few clicks, you're ready to kick start the verification process and ensure your design meets all the necessary process design rules.

3. Custom Rules, No Problem: Whether it's SiP DRC or RAVEL, take your pick and let Virtuoso Studio work its magic. Customize your checks to suit your specific needs, ensuring a tailored approach to design verification. Virtuoso Studio gives you the flexibility to define your own criteria, empowering you to maintain control over every aspect of your design.

4. Launch that DRC Job: Click "OK" and let Virtuoso Studio go to town. Sit back, relax, and let Virtuoso Studio do the heavy lifting, while you focus on bringing your design vision to life.

5. Check for Errors: Quickly spot errors with the Annotation Browser and squash them like a pro. Using the intuitive interface of Virtuoso Studio, finding and addressing errors is a breeze, ensuring your design is error-free and ready for the next stage of development.

Boosting Accuracy with RAVEL

As mentioned above, Virtuoso Studio also teams up with RAVEL to take design verification to the next level. RAVEL enables users to create specialized DRCs, such as checking wirebond violations a breeze. You can define complex rules in a straightforward manner, ensuring your design meets the highest standards of quality and reliability; this topic deserves its own blog – stay tuned.

Wrapping Up Your SiP Design Adventure

So, there you have it, folks!  With Virtuoso Studio and Allegro X Advanced Package Designer by your side, SiP module design is no longer a daunting task. Say goodbye to manual headaches and hello to a smoother, more efficient design journey.  Let's keep pushing the boundaries of innovation because the world is waiting for your next big thing!

Related Resources

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

Marc Polito

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About Virtuoso Meets Maxwell

Virtuoso Meets Maxwell series includes posts about the next-generation die, package, and board design flow with a focus on reinventing and optimizing the design process to ensure that the designer remains a designer! Keep watching! Subscribe to receive email notifications about our latest Custom IC Design blog posts.