hi

Virtuoso Studio: How Do You Name Simulation Histories in Virtuoso ADE Assembler?

This blog describes an efficient way to name the histories saved by the simulation runs in Virtuoso ADE Assembler.(read more)




hi

Start Your Engines: The Innovation Behind Universal Connect Modules (UCM)

Read this blog to know more about the innovation behind Universal Connect Modules (UCM).(read more)




hi

Archive of Tools Classification Analysis (Xcelium)

Hi,

Current and valid TCAs for Functional Safety are readily available at the FuSa "one-stop shop".

But I have not been able to find any archive repository for access to the obsoleted versions.

I would need to have also v1.4 of Xcelum TCA to investigate exact changes wrt previous projects.

Anyone knows how to find it?

Best regards,  Lars




hi

ce_tools directory no longer shipped with Specman

Hello All,

starting with version 8.1 the contents of the ce_tools directory will no longer
be shipped with Specman. The directory contains some unsupported AE/R&D
ware and has not been updated for several releases (i.e. most of those old
packages don't work with the latest release).
 
Attached is the contents of this directory. Please read the README before
using any of the packages.


Regards,
-hannes


Originally posted in cdnusers.org by hannes




hi

Welcome! Please use this forum to upload your code

Please include a brief summary of how to use it.





hi

This Month in IDA

IDA activities in August showcased two video interviews with David Maliniak of Microwaves & RF magazine. New posts, datasheets, application notes and white papers highlight multiphysics analysis spanning SI, PI, thermal, EM and microwave analysis domains are also featured.(read more)




hi

EMX - Localised back etching

Do you know if it is possible to define localized back etching (LBE) in EMX? It should be associated to a layer which defines the holes done in the substrate. I've not found any reference for this in the .proc syntax. 

--> Answer found. This is not possible because EMX considers the same dielectric in all x-y plane




hi

Error with launching Python Script Via AWRDE VBA Script

Hello Team,
I am currently following this AWR script posted on them, to run a python script directly from inside AWR using VBA script.

Launching Python from AWRDE VBA Script - AWR Scripts - AWR Knowledgebase

Following all the basic steps with no changes to the code. I have Vscode and python-3.12.2 installed in my system. 

This is the error I am getting while running this code. 

 

Thank you for your help 

Best Regards

SID




hi

VAR("") does not work within some expressions

Hi,

My Virtuoso and Spectre Version: ICADVM20.1-64b.NYISR30.2

I have an expression where the EvalType is "sweeps". Here is the expression (I also attached the snapshot):

(peakToPeak(leafValue(swapSweep(delay(?wf1 clip((VT("/clk0") - VT("/clk180")) (VAR("mt_stop") - (4.0 / VAR("datarate"))) VAR("mt_stop")) ?value1 0 ?edge1 "rising" ?nth1 1 ?td1 0 ?tol1 nil ?wf2 clip((VT("/tx_padp") - VT("/tx_padn")) (VAR("mt_stop") - (4.0 / VAR("datarate"))) VAR("mt_stop")) ?value2 0 ?edge2 "rising" ?nth2 1 ?tol2 nil ?td2 nil ?stop nil ?multiple nil) "VDD_FIXED_NOISE") "VREGLN_cmode" 0.85 "VREGDRV_novn" 0.4 "datarate" 1.658e+10) ?overall t) / 10.0)

What this expression does is that it compares the delay between the output data with respect to a reference clock. I then get this information for two conditions (VDD_FIXED_NOISE = 0 or 10mV) to get the effect of the supply-induced jitter. In the expression, I need to give the value of each parameter in different modes to distinguish them from each other. Now I want to sweep the base supply values and see the supply variation effects. For example, I want to change VREGLN_cmode from 0.85 to 0.81 and see how my supply-induced jitter changes. For that, the hard way is to copy the expression and change that value accordingly (e.g. "VREGLN_cmode" 0.81). I'm looking for an easier way to use a variable in the expression. Something like VAR("VREGLN_Sweep"). But I see it doesn't work in my expression and it gives an eVal error. I tested this before in other expressions (not sweep type) and it always worked. I have only one test and these variables are all Design Variables and not Global variables.
I want to know what mistake am I doing here and is there a way to make this work. Sorry that if I could not explain better my inquiry. Thank you.








hi

PSS Shooting - High Q crystal oscillator - Simulator by mistake detects a frequency divider

Hi *,

 

I am simulating a 32kHz high Q crystal oscillator with a pulse shaping circuit. I set up a PSS analysis using the Shooting Newton engine. I set a beat frequency of 32k and used the crystal output and ground as reference nodes. After the initial transient the amplitude growth was already pretty much settled such that the shooting iterations could continue the job.

 

My problem is: In 5...10% of my PVT runs the simulator detects a frequency divider in the initial transient simulation. The output log says:

 

Frequency divided by 3 at node <xxx>

The Estimated oscillating frequency from Tstab Tran is = 11.0193 kHz .

 

However, the mentioned node is only part of the control logic and is always constant (but it has some ripples and glitches which are all less than 30uV). These glitches spoil my fundamental frequency (11kHz instead of 32kHz). Sometimes the simulator detects a frequency division by 2 or 3 and the mentioned node <xxx> is different depending on PVT - but the node is always a genuine high or low signal inside my control logic.

 

How can I tell the simulator that there is no frequency divider and it should only observe the given node pair in the PSS analysis setup to estimate the fundamental frequency? I have tried the following workarounds but none of them worked reliably:

 

- extended/reduced the initial transient simulation time

- decreased accuracy

- preset override with Euler integration method for the initial transient to damp glitches

- tried different initial conditions

- specified various oscillator nodes in the analysis setup form

By the way, I am using Spectre X (version 21.1.0.389.ISR8) with CX accuracy.

 

Thanks for your support and best regards

Stephan




hi

Getting error while adding element in AWR software

While adding an element created from a netlist file in AWR, I am getting the error 'The element type being dropped is not compatible with the window it is being dropped into'. The netlist file in AWR has the following contents:

.subckt BFG520W base collector emitter npn
.model BFG520W NPN(IS=1.016E-15 NF=1.000 BF=220.1 IKF=510E-3 VAF=48.06
+ ISE=2.83E-13 NE=2.035 NR=0.988 BR=100.7 IKR=2.352E-3
+ VAR=1.692 ISC=24.48E-18 NC=1.022 RB=10.00 RE=0.7753
+ RC=2.21 CJC=447.6E-15 MJC=0.07 VJC=0.1892
+ CJE=1.245E-12 TF=8.616E-12 TR=5.437E-12 mfg=NXP)

I have attached screenshots of the element BFG520W2 created due to the above netlist and the error I am getting while adding this element.


 




hi

EMX - EM simulation for large CMOS chip

Hi everyone,

I'm currently working on my thesis, which involves a beamformer system using CMOS 65nm technology. I'm trying to use the EMX tool for EM simulation but have encountered a few problems. Before diving into my questions about EMX, let me briefly explain how I conduct EM simulations with other software (ADS).

In ADS, I use the EM simulator with the Momentum microwave engine. However, my EM layout is quite large, and the mesh generated is extremely detailed, making it difficult to simulate the entire system. As a workaround, I divide the system into smaller parts and simulate each one individually. I've attached a snapshot of my setup, which includes an amplifier and a 1-to-2 Wilkinson power divider. I've separated these circuits and placed pins to facilitate EM simulations for each. I also placed ground pins at the boundaries of each circuit to connect them to the ground plane.

Here’s the link to the image (I'm unable to upload it due to an error): https://drive.google.com/file/d/13Qn4-DvMBj_K1JQLXrTWaWZ8uaLJr15u/view?usp=sharing

Now, moving on to EMX (version 6.3). For a maximum frequency of 31 GHz, I set the edge mesh = thickness = 0.4 µm (approximately the skin depth). However, when I simulate the circuit (amplifier + divider), the mesh on the ground plane becomes very dense, which makes running the simulation impossible due to excessive memory requirements. I reverted to my ADS approach and divided the circuit into two parts, placing ports to connect them. Unfortunately, EMX doesn't allow me to place multiple edge ports on the same edge for the ground plane, which has left me confused. Here are a couple of questions I have:

  1. Is breaking the circuit into smaller parts a valid approach? Given the large ground plane, the mesh size for the ground is significant, making simulations challenging. Are there any methods to manage this issue?

  2. Regarding the ground pins, why can't I place multiple edge ports to connect the ground planes of both circuits as I did in ADS? If this approach is incorrect, could you suggest alternative methods for simulating individual circuits and connecting them to estimate system performance?

Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your help!




hi

Start Your Engines: AMS Flex – Our Next Generation Architecture Matures

An AMS Designer Flex simulation gives you the most immediate access to the latest simulation technology on either side, gets out of the way of the core engines and allows the engine performance to shine while providing access to new features. Check out this blog to know more.

(read more)




hi

Virtuosity: Synergize with CLE - Work Concurrently Across Geographies

Concurrent Layout Editing enables more than one designer to work in a hierarchy at the same time. Check out this blog to know more. (read more)




hi

Virtuosity: Driving Super-efficient Chip Design with Voltus-XFi Custom Power Integrity Solution

This blog introduces the new Voltus-XFi Custom Power Integrity Solution, a transistor-level EM-IR tool that enables designers to complete comprehensive analysis and debugging easily and quickly.(read more)




hi

Allegro PCB Router quit unexpectedly with an exit code of -1073741701. Also, nothing is logged in log file.

Has anyone experienced the same situation?




hi

Kenya Treasury chief ramps up reforms to grow investment

Kenya’s cabinet secretary for the national treasury and planning, Ukur Yatani, discusses the country’s agenda of fiscal reforms and the importance of constructing an east-west Africa highway.




hi

fDi's European Cities and Regions of the Future 2020/21 - FDI Strategy: North Rhine-Westphalia takes regional crown

North Rhine-Westphalia is fDi's top large region for FDI Strategy, with the Basque Country topping the table for mid-sized regions and Ireland South East first among small regions. 




hi

fDi’s European Cities and Regions of the Future 2020/21 - London leads LEP ranking while Oxfordshire makes rapid rise

London LEP and Thames Valley Berkshire LEP hold on to their respective first and second places in the Local Enterprise Partnership rankings, while Oxfordshire LEP jumps up eight places to third. 




hi

Rhineland-Palatinate moves up a gear in investment attraction

From historically underperforming when compared with its peers, the German federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate is now attracting major investment projects on the back of its auto and electrification expertise.




hi

AstraZeneca expands further into China’s biotech sector

AstraZeneca will set up a R&D centre and an AI innovation centre in Shanghai, as well as create a $1bn fund that would invest in healthcare start-ups.




hi

BASF kicks off China megaproject

German chemical giant BASF has begun construction of its $10bn mega project in southern China, which will be the country’s first wholly foreign-owned chemical complex. 




hi

Pakistan’s UK high commissioner hails land of opportunity

Mohammad Nafees Zakaria, Pakistan’s UK high commissioner, talks about his country’s potential for foreign investors.




hi

Chinese investment to Europe at record high

Sino-European foreign direct investment is converging, according to data from fDi Markets.




hi

Trade tensions hit South Korea FDI

The situation between the US and China is bad news for South Korea’s investment climate.




hi

Balochistan representative hails new dawn

Sardar Popalzai, president of the Balochistan Economic Forum, talks about the blue economy and the Pakistani province’s tourism potential.




hi

Latin America embraces China's Belt and Road with enthusiasm

Up to 18 countries across Latin America have joined China’s new Belt and Road Initiative, hoping to boost their infrastructure development and investment.  




hi

Which FDI sectors could benefit from the coronavirus crisis?

Wavteq's Henry Loewendahl discusses which sectors retain potential for foreign investment amid the current global crisis 




hi

Renewables FDI boom hit by Covid-19

Foreign investment in the global renewable energy market hit unprecedented highs in 2019. However, the coronavirus crisis may reverse this trend. 




hi

Lucid Air cop car tested by California Highway Patrol

Lucid Motors is pitching its Air electric sedan as a potential police cruiser. On Sunday the automaker posted photos of an Air decked out in police equipment on X (formerly Twitter). Lucid said the car had recently participated in California Highway Patrol testing, but did not provide any other details. We've reached out to Lucid with questions...




hi

AIFC chief sets fintechs in his sights

Nurlan Kussainov, CEO of Kazakhstan’s AIFC Authority, discusses the financial centre’s achievements to date, and describes its ambitions to become a reference point in central Asia for capital markets and the fintech sector. 




hi

Kazakh Invest deputy CEO moves from preaching to proactivity

Rustam Issatayev, deputy CEO of Kazakhstan’s national investment promotion agency, talks to fDi about the country’s new FDI strategy, which involves a proactive approach to attracting investment instead of simply talking up the country.




hi

Antwerp's vice-mayor mixes history and innovation

Antwerp’s vice-mayor, Claude Marinower, talks about the city's history as a diverse business location, and its plans to promote traditional industries alongside innovative concepts.




hi

Thirst for innovation drives Antwerp's digital development

With a multilingual population, Antwerp enjoys a diverse talent pool that has made it a popular testbed for digital innovation and entrepreneurship.




hi

Antwerp benefits from retail rethink

Antwerp has long been an attractive retail location in Belgium, while also offering investors an efficient and transparent planning process. 




hi

Chile returns to FDI growth after three years

Data from fDi Markets shows that after a lean few years Chile's FDI landscape is recovering in impressive fashion.




hi

A new high for FDI in Spain in 2018

Successive annual increases of FDI inflows to Spain culminated in a record year in 2018. Alex Irwin-Hunt reports.




hi

China FDI into Europe: A cause for concern?

FDI project numbers from China into the EU are on a downward trend, but Europe is still a popular destination for Chinese investment.




hi

Cyprus sees FDI high in 2018

Cyprus’s record-breaking 2018 was driven by tourism and second-tier cities. 




hi

FDI into Canada reaches four-year high of $41.9bn

Canada has seen a four-year peak in FDI, with the technology, real estate and aerospace sectors enjoying substantial growth. Zara Fennell reports.




hi

High-flying inspection system lands in Australia

Utilities in Australia are looking to the sky when it comes to avoiding costly network failures and bushfires, enlisting the expertise of investors such as Canada’s Aethon Aerial Solutions to monitor power lines.




hi

Insight – Australian dairy exports to Chile to benefit from improved market access

New rule changes mean Australian dairy establishments exporting to Chile will no longer be required to undergo periodic in-country audits by Chilean officials.




hi

Insight – Kuwait extends the shelf-life limit for chilled vacuum-packed beef

Kuwait has extended the shelf-life limit of chilled vacuum-packed beef from 90 days to 120 days.




hi

Insight – Mining in the Philippines: a new chapter

The Philippines’ mining-friendly policies have opened up opportunities for Australian mining equipment, technology and services (METS) providers.




hi

Insight – Global decarbonisation agenda drives copper and lithium opportunities in Argentina

Argentina’s copper and lithium projects are rich in opportunities for Australian mining equipment, technology and services providers.




hi

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for November 11

Connections is a New York Times word game that's all about finding the "common threads between words." How to solve the puzzle.




hi

Wordle today: Answer, hints for November 11

Here's the answer for "Wordle" #1241 on November 11, as well as a few hints, tips, and clues to help you solve it yourself.




hi

How AI technology can save historical photos

Through AI-powered photo restoration, NVIDIA's RTX technology ensures that historic photos are preserved for future generations.




hi

Ai-Da robot just sold an artwork for $1 million. Yes, it made history.

Ai-Da, the humanoid robot, sold the artwork "AI God" for a whopping $1.3 million at Sotheby's. Here's how it happened.