Parameterized Layout Design

This should be possible, but the graphical pcell editor is quite primitive and gets quite unwieldy after a while. A better approach is to use SKILL or using a newer tool such as Cadence PCell Designer (you'll need to contact your Cadence Account Manager about that one - they can contact me for more details).

The error message is a low level SKILL error, so it's really hard to diagnose from this without seeing your example. You'd probably need to contact customer support so you can share your testcase.

Regards,

Andrew.

Hi Andrew 

Really thanks for the reply and suggestion.

Hi Andrew,

I am currently developing a new PDK, with lots of p-cells. Right now, I program them all in plain SKILL. No graphical p-cells whatsoever (I just don't like that, much more control with SKILL). You mentioned the PCell Designer. Is it something like the graphical p-cell editor or much more advanced? Should I consider using it?

Thanks in advance.

With kind regards,

Sjoer

Hi Sjoerd,

See this CDN Live EMEA 2015 presentation and this CDN Live EMEA 2014 presentation. The first talks more about using PCell Designer for module PCells, whereas the second gives a more general overview.

The idea is that it's a graphical environment for creating pcells which can be used to build object oriented pcells without you necessarily needing to know much (or any) SKILL. You can start with original shapes from the layout editor and then import them into the tool and then operate on these shapes with commands which are similar to those in the layout editor - but adding familiar programming commands for looping, conditionals etc. You can create your own commands within the tool to capture more complex operations. It's pretty hard to summarise here in just a few words - the presentations do a better job, and actually seeing the tool does a better job still. It's not really like the existing graphical pcell tool - it has a different use model from that - but it is more graphical in nature than writing SKILL code. You can make changes interactively and then see immediate feedback on the changes in the layout editor, and has a number of useful debugging aids within the tool.

If you contact me directly (send me a friend request with your email address in the request) I can discuss this with you and if appropriate arrange a demo.

Kind Regards,

Andrew.

Hi Andrew

Would you please tell me how can I check whether I already have PCell designer or not and how can I invoke it. 

It's highly unlikely that you have it because it is sold as a Services Product rather than part of the normal IC product portfolio and I am aware of all the customers that have access to it. If you do have it, it would appear at the bottom of the Tools menu in the CIW.

Regards,

Andrew.

Hi Andrew,

Thanks for the reply. I'll have a look at the links you provided tomorrow.
 The demo you offer, that has to be done on-site or can be done remotely (we're located in Australia, so I hope for you it has to be done on-site ;-) ).

Sjoerd

Sjoerd,

Unfortunately for me it can be done via webex - although I do have family in Australia, so maybe... ;-)

Regards,

Andrew.

Hi Andrew,

Sometimes webex is handy, sometimes it's a curse...

If/when you come over to Australia, the bbq will be lighted! And I have a pool at home... Need more incentives?

Regards,

Sjoerd