Characterisation reference flow enables accurate 14nm logic libraries

The reference flow for 14nm logic libraries enables the creation of Liberty libraries, AOCV de-rating tables, library validation and reliability views. The reference flow was developed using Virtuoso Liberate, Virtuoso Liberate LV, Virtuoso Variety characterisation solutions and Spectre Circuit Simulator to deliver accurate logic libraries, including advanced timing models (ECSM, CCS), advanced noise models (ECSMN, CCSN), and advanced power models (ECSMP, CCSP).

The reference flow enables Intel Custom Foundry customers to re-characterise the logic libraries for custom process, voltage or temperature corners or to characterise custom cells following a similar characterisation methodology. Intel Custom Foundry has developed an extensive design platform on Intel's 14nm Tri-gate process technology for SoCs targeted at cloud infrastructure and mobile applications. Intel's 14nm platform is the second generation to use 3D Tri-gate transistors that enable chips to operate at lower voltage with lower leakage, providing an unprecedented combination of improved performance and energy efficiency compared to previous state-of-the-art transistors.

“Accurate logic libraries are required to enable our customers to implement and verify differentiated SoCs on Intel's 14nm design platform,” said Ali Farhang, Vice President, Design and Enablement Services, Intel Custom Foundry. “Intel Custom Foundry’s 14nm characterisation reference flow includes best characterisation practices jointly developed by Intel Custom Foundry and Cadence and can accelerate the ramp-up time for customers who need to re-characterise libraries.”

“Our collaboration with Intel on the 14nm library characterisation reference flow follows the enablement of Cadence custom/analogue tools on Intel Custom Foundry's 14nm design platform we announced last year,” added Tom Beckley, Senior Vice President, Custom IC & PCB Group, Cadence. “Our mutual customers can now leverage our best-in-class characterisation solution and Intel’s 14nm process to build differentiated products.”