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Getting Started with Verilog-A, Verilog-AMS SImulation in Cadence

growingmind

Hello,

I would like to get started with Verilog-A and Verilog-A modeling in Cadence (for Data Converters and PLL systems).

I have not used Cadence for these features yet, and do not know where to start.

Can I use bmslib, ahdl lib elements ?  What are the differences between the two ?

Do I use the Verilog-A or Verilog-AMS views ?  What are the differences between the two ?

I was told to use the "ams" simulator in ADE vs. Spectre - is this correct ?  If I use ams simulation option, do I use a Verilog-A or Verilog-AMS view of a block ?

Is there a tutorial on doing Verilog-A or Verilog-AMS that I can access anywhere from Cadence or eleswhere ?

Thank you.

  • bmsLib and ahdlLib both contain sample models for some common building blocks used in designs. ahdlLib contains only verilog-A models, while bmsLib contains verilogA and verilog-AMS models for mixed-signal design.

    The choice between verilog-A and verilog-AMS models depends on how you'd like to model your systems. Verilog-A models allow only analog behavioural modelling i.e. all signals have electrical behaviour, so if you use these, you can continue using Spectre as the simulator (ams not needed), although the simulation will work with 'ams' as well.

    In verilog-AMS views, you can model digital and analog behaviour together in the same module e.g. you might need to define control registers (digital) in your block. When using verilog-AMS models, you will have to use 'ams' as the simulator. You will also need Incisive or Xcelium tools in your installation path. Using 'ams' as the simulator means that the digital content of your models will be solved by an event-driven digital kernel in the ams simulator, while the analog part will still be solved by Spectre/APS, however this version of Spectre will be used from Incisive/Xcelium.

    There are language reference manuals on both verilog-A and verilog-AMS which you can find on support.cadence.com. These manuals contain examples that you will find useful.

    Regards,
    Saloni

  • in reply to Saloni Chhabra

    Thank you for your very thorough answer.

    How do I know I have Incisive or Xcelium tools in my installation path ?

  • in reply to growingmind

    Try (at the UNIX window) typing "which xrun" or perhaps "xrun -version". If they work, then you've got XCELIUM. Using "irun" instead will mean you have INCISIVE instead. You can also run "xmroot" or "ncroot" to find where the installation is.

    Check your UNIX $PATH to see what's in the path.

    Regards,

    Andrew

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