Extracting RLC parasitics for Packages at Layout Level

The latest release of the Allegro X APD in Cadence IC Packaging 24.1 features a new XtractIM workflow, designed to simplify the process of extracting RLC parasitics in a package design.

The XtractIM workflow is part of the Aurora workflows for In-Design Analysis (IDA) and is designed for high-speed analysis and checking within the Sigrity Aurora environment.

The other Aurora Workflows to name few are

• Design Setup Workflow: Prepares the design environment for analysis.
• Impedance Workflow: Automates design tasks and analysis related to impedance.
• Coupling Workflow: Focuses on analyzing coupling effects between signals.
• Crosstalk Workflow: Identifies and mitigates crosstalk issues in designs.
• Reflection Workflow: Used to identify and fix reflection issues on signals.
• Return Path Workflow: Analyzes return paths for signal integrity.
• IR Drop Workflow: Assesses voltage drop across power distribution networks.
• Power Inductance Workflow: Evaluates inductance effects on power delivery.
• Interconnect Model Extraction Workflow: Extracts models for interconnects to improve simulation accuracy.

This intuitive flow enables package layout designers to efficiently extract critical data, including per-pin resistance and inductance of power/ground nets and net length, DC resistance, inductance, capacitance, and delay of each signal/power net.

Here is a sample result table for a power net:

One of the key advantages of the XtractIM workflow is its ease of use. The step-by-step process guides users through the analysis, ensuring that all necessary steps are completed before proceeding to the next stage. This streamlined approach not only saves time but also reduces the risk of human error, resulting in more accurate and reliable results.

The XtractIM workflow also offers a high degree of flexibility, allowing users to extract a model from either a full package or selected nets of a package. This feature enables designers to focus on specific areas of interest, fine-tuning their analysis to meet the demands of their design.

Furthermore, the XtractIM workflow integrates seamlessly with the APD canvas, enabling users to select nets directly or via the (X)Net Selection window. This makes it easier to identify and analyze the performance of individual nets, facilitating a more detailed understanding of the package's behavior.

Diff Pairs selected in canvas or in (X)Net selection:

In addition, the XtractIM workflow can be accelerated using distributed computing, allowing designers to take advantage of high-performance computing resources to speed up the analysis process. This capability is particularly valuable when dealing with complex designs, where simulation times can be significant.

The analysis results are presented in a clear and concise manner, with options to view XtractIM tables and visions. The Simulation Table window provides a comprehensive overview of the simulation data, while the vision overlay feature enables designers to visualize the results directly on the APD canvas. This visualization capability is invaluable in identifying potential issues and optimizing the package design.

In conclusion, the XtractIM workflow in the APD is a powerful tool that streamlines the package analysis process, enabling designers to extract critical data quickly and accurately. Its ease of use, flexibility, and high-performance capabilities make it an indispensable asset for package layout designers seeking to optimize their designs and deliver high-quality results.