Signal and Power Integrity (PCB/IC Packaging) Blogs

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.

Now, more than ever before, our smartphone has become critically important for everyday tasks such as checking emails, online shopping, internet banking, social networking, catching up with the live scores of our favorite match, and even cooking or making video calls with our dear ones. All these activities need multiple apps and yet they all run on a single device. This all-in-one interface seems like the optimal solution for all our personal and professional needs.

There is a parallel with SI/PI and Thermal engineers’ needs. If you are an engineer who runs SI/PI or Thermal analysis using different Cadence point tools, then Layout Workbench is the platform that will make your life easier. These days it is pretty much required for engineers to access multiple tools, switch between tools, share information, access collaterals, and view results, all within one interface. Keeping that in mind, we have designed Layout Workbench, which provides a common platform to work with different Sigrity and Systems Analysis tools and addresses the requirements of the chip, package, and PCB designs.

Challenges Posed When Working with Multiple SI/PI and Thermal Analysis Point Tools

Earlier, as engineers used to work on multiple power integrity (PI)/signal integrity (SI) and Thermal analysis point tools, it was really difficult for them to exchange a massive amount of data among these package designs and assessment tools. The entire process used to be difficult and time-consuming, affecting the overall tool performance when generating the required results within the design delivery deadlines.

The Benefits of Layout Workbench for System Design Analysis

To eliminate the need of using multiple standalone tools, we have designed the Layout Workbench that stitches multiple Sigrity and System Analysis tools together within a single platform. Here are the advantages of using Layout Workbench:

Seamless Integration Between Analysis Disciplines

Using Layout Workbench, you can now conveniently switch between the different Sigrity and Systems Analysis tools without the need to open the tool separately. Moreover, the setup information, such as the stackup information or power and ground nets definitions, can also easily be shared among the Layout Workbench tools. This process saves a lot of time and improves the overall performance.

Improved and Common Look-n-Feel

Multiple tools are being stitched into a single cross-platform framework and provide an intuitive and easy graphical user interface (GUI) for running different workflows. The look-n-feel of Layout Workbench has been changed to a dark theme to improve visibility for customers with low vision and those who are sensitive to bright light. 

Improved In-Tool Self Help

Layout Workbench allows you to access the help related to the Sigrity and Systems Analysis tools. You can access the most useful help and support resources from the Cadence support portal and corporate websites directly from Layout Workbench. 

The Help Menu - Instant Access to Knowledge Resources

The Help menu provides consistent help system access across Layout Workbench tools and applications. 

Calling the ? Button to the Rescue

We have also added help buttons in the form of question marks (?) in the Layout Workbench tools that enable you to view the detailed documentation about a feature in the Cadence Help window.

Related Resources

Layout Workbench has many other features that can help engineers to be highly productive and create complex designs more efficiently. If you’re armed with Layout Workbench, you’ll easily sort out interconnectivity issues of today's systems.

Hope you enjoyed reading about Layout Workbench. Stay with us as we continue to explore what’s new in the world of Cadence Sigrity and Systems Analysis. Happy reading!

Mayank Kumar

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

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