Optimize Complex Net Assignments Faster than Ever with Split Views in Cadence APD and SiP Layout

More differential pairs, larger buses, denser pin arrays… it’s no secret that IC package designs are getting more complex with each passing season. The Cadence IC Package layout tools provide many tools for helping you overcome all of these hurdles. Flow bundles, automatic net assignment/optimization tools, and interactive and batch pin swapping tools – whatever stage you are at, there is a tool to help you work more quickly.

But, sometimes what you need most of all is the ability to see what you’re working on. With a bundle of nets between your die and your BGA, the difference in scale between the two sets of pins can leave you in an awkward position. Do you zoom in close enough on the die to see the escape order, leaving you without being able to see the much larger BGA pins? Or, do you zoom out to see the BGA pads and not be able to distinguish the order of the nets coming out of the die?

With the 16.6 SiP Layout and APD layout tools, you don’t need to make this choice ever again. Use “split view” and “swap views” to see both ends of your interface on screen at the same time, each at the appropriate zoom level.

Continue reading to learn more about these innovative display capabilities and how they can let you work faster and more efficiently. Just don’t make the mistake of thinking these tools are only for your logic optimization! Use them creatively whenever seeing two aspects of the design at once makes sense!

Seeing Both Sides of the Puzzle at the Same Time

We’ve all been in situations like the one shown here:

We have a bundle of nets to be assigned. But, we can see the order at the BGA balls only. It is impossible to see the ordering on the die side. It’s almost impossible to even make out the die pads themselves!

Run the View -> Split View command, though, and open a second view of the active design. This second view can be resized, moved, or docked in whatever orientation makes sense for your current scenario. Make it short and wide while working on the north side of the design or tall and narrow on the west side.

With the second pane active, we can see the die pad side of the assignments clearly, as below. Highlighting of nets and other items work in both views, as shown, allowing us to very quickly understand exactly which pins are mapped together while we work.

Much better! What’s that you say, though? You want to switch and work on the die pin side of the problem? Never fear! View -> Swap Views will make the die pin side of things the editable portion, allowing you to work on your escape routing from both sides of the problem at the same time. All while still seeing the other end to make sure you get things exactly the way you need them.

Have an Idea for Making This Tool Even Better?

What other design challenges will this ability make easier for you? That’s for you to decide! Don’t be shy about sharing your creative uses, either. If you have an idea for a way to make these views more useful, let your Cadence customer support rep know that, too. Engineering here at Cadence is always looking for ways to shorten your cycle time!