System Analysis Knowledge Bytes: Sigrity X the Next-Generation Signal and Power Integrity Solution

The System Analysis Knowledge Bytes blog series explores the capabilities and potential of the System Analysis tools offered by Cadence®. In addition to providing insight into the useful features and enhancements in this area, this series aims to broadcast the views of different bloggers and experts, who share their knowledge and experience on all things related to System Analysis.

In 1965, Gordon Moore, while predicting the future of semiconductor industry, made an interesting observation that the number of transistors in a dense integrated circuit (IC) doubles every two years. Decades later we know that this prophecy, also known as Moore’s law, shaped many design innovations. However, as designs continue to shrink, their complexity is continuously increasing.

The challenges that design engineers face today are not only limited to single-board or single-package issues but also related to the entire multi-board system. The primary methodology to handle these design challenges is a system-level signal and power integrity (SI/PI) solution.  

In its commitment to solve these system-level analysis problems with unprecedented speed and accuracy, Cadence has introduced Cadence^® Sigrity^TM X, the next-generation signal and power integrity (SI/PI) solution. Sigrity X features new, powerful simulation engines for system-level analysis, and includes the innovative massively distributed architecture of Cadence Clarity^TM 3D Solver. 

Sigrity X Product Portfolio

Sigrity X includes a full set of tools for building system-level simulations, whether it is parallel bus analysis or PI analysis. The following figures provide an overview of the Sigrity X product portfolio:

Additionally, Sigrity X works in sync with Clarity 3D Solver and is tightly integrated with the Cadence Allegro® PCB Designer and Allegro Package Designer Plus implementation tools. The PCB and IC package designers can leverage this setup to incorporate end-to-end, multi-fabric, multi-board system analysis for SI/ PI signoff success.

Why Sigrity X?

Performance Improvements

Thanks to distributed computing, which is at the core of Sigrity X, you can address SI and PI problems much faster and iterate much more quickly, while maintaining the same trusted accuracy.

Sigrity engines that have previously been tested in Voltus^TM IC Power Integrity Solution, Clarity 3D Solver, and Celsius^TM Thermal Solver have been re-architected in Sigrity X. The combination of re-architected engines that efficiently utilize the cores on a single machine coupled with the ability to distribute the simulation to two or more computers allows a large group of signals to simulate in a similar timeframe as the shortcut “worst-case” signal simulation.

The comparison table below summarizes the dramatic performance improvements in Sigrity PowerSI, PowerDC, XtractIM, and OptimizePI through distributed computing, code refactoring, and multi-threading computing:

While all Sigrity tools report faster simulations when the number of cores remains consistent, there’s up to 10X performance improvement when more cores are added.

Streamlined User Interface

In Sigrity X, the Sigrity user interface has been revamped significantly and the tools in the product portfolio have been moved into a unified graphical user interface (GUI) for a common, consistent user experience. These tools support both Microsoft Windows and Linux operating systems.

Additionally, all workflows have been migrated into the same environment, called the Layout Workbench, enabling engineers to easily switch from one tool to another without the need to open each tool separately. Layout Workbench supports both light and dark themes, and many of the panels can be configured interchangeably.

In Sigrity X, all the data has been migrated into a single .spd file for all simulation types, making it much easier to copy or move simulation files between machines and to support multiple simulation types within the same file.

Signal Integrity Improvements

Allegro canvas uses Sigrity engines to provide traditional SI/PI analysis. Within the Allegro design canvas, Sigrity Aurora provides access to easy-to-use workflows for prototyping, topological extractions, crosstalk and reflection analysis, IR drop, impedance, coupling, and return path simulations. PCB Designers can screen designs and streamline the design process by catching issues early in the design cycle and editing the design without switching tools. 

This wraps up our summary of Sigrity X features. Stay tuned as we explore other highlights from the world of Cadence Sigrity and Systems Analysis.

Happy Reading!

Deepti Kamal

Related Resources

For more information on Cadence Sigrity and Systems Analysis products and services, visit www.cadence.com.

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