ATTACC — an Automated Tool for Timing Analysis and Cell Characterization

Abstract

Some of the most time consuming tasks in generating and maintaining ASIC cell libraries are cell simulation, characterization, documentation and data transfer to functional simulator models. An automated software tool for these tasks is presented here. The ATTACC program system is interfaced to the CAD tool set used at the IMS for library generation. It uses SPICE simulations to determine delay parameters, load dependencies, and timing constraints of ASIC cells. Data sheets are produced automatically, and the timing parameters are automatically included in HILO simulator models. The tool has been used in the characterization and documentation of two CMOS cell libraries and has been employed for making design tradeoffs during cell design. It has significantly eased the task of managing the design and maintenance of the IMS cell libraries.