Increasing design flexibility

GLOBALFOUNDRIES has qualified these tools for the 22FDX reference flow to provide customers with the design flexibility of software controlled body bias to manage power, performance and leakage needed to create next generation chips for mainstream mobile, Internet of Things (IoT) and consumer applications. In addition, the ARM Cortex-A17 processor was used to validate the implementation flow with the Cadence Innovus Implementation System and Genus Synthesis Solution.

Cadence collaborated with GLOBALFOUNDRIES on the development of the Process Design Kit (PDK) for the 22FDX platform. The Cadence digital implementation tools support the capability of forward and reverse body bias (FBB/RBB) to optimise the performance/power trade-offs, implant aware and continuous diffusion aware placement, tap insertion and body bias network connectivity according to high voltage rules. The digital implementation tools also support double patterning aware parasitic extraction (PEX) and design for manufacturing (DFM). Tools in the flow include:

• Genus Synthesis Solution: An RTL synthesis and physical synthesis engine that improves productivity challenges faced by RTL designers, delivering up to five times faster synthesis turnaround times.

• Innovus Implementation System: Advanced physical implementation tool, incorporating a massively parallel architecture that helps designers deliver SoCs in less time with PPA.

• Tempus Timing Signoff Solution: A complete timing analysis tool that improves sign-off timing closure via massively parallel processing and physically aware timing optimisation.

• Quantus QRC Extraction Solution: A parasitic extraction tool that provides faster run-times for single- and multi-corner extraction.

In addition, Cadence and GLOBALFOUNDRIES are actively working on the qualification of Voltus IC Power Integrity Solution and Physical Verification System (PVS).

“We are collaborating closely with Cadence on enabling their products to help customers realise the benefits of the GLOBALFOUNDRIES 22FDX platform,” said Pankaj Mayor, vice president of Business Development at GLOBALFOUNDRIES. “The 22FDX reference flow can enable customers to achieve real time trade-off between static power, dynamic power and performance to create innovative products.”

“Cadence digital and signoff customers can engage with us now to start realising the benefits of the GLOBALFOUNDRIES 22FDX platform,” added Dr. Anirudh Devgan, senior vice president and general manager of the Digital and Signoff Group at Cadence. “Our work with GLOBALFOUNDRIES demonstrates our joint commitment to enabling customers to create innovative, next generation SoCs that meet advanced technical requirements and aggressive market deadlines.”