AvanLink to Cadence Composer and Analog Artist

AvanLink to Cadence Composer and Analog Artist provides a netlister, a symbol library, cross-probing, and backannotation capabilities. AvanLink is an Avant! interface product that links the Star-Hspice circuit simulator with the following products from Cadence:

• Composer, Versions 4.2.1a, 4.2.2, 4.3.2, and 4.3.3
• Analog Artist, Versions 4.2.1a, 4.2.2, 4.3.2, and 4.3.3

Features

AvanLink has the following functionality:

• Provides hierarchical Netlisting (HNL), with incremental capability (IHNL), through the CadenceLink netlister and the Cadence simulation environment
• Provides Avant!'s metaLib class-based library to support all of the Star-Hspice elements. The metaLib library uses Cadence's standard Component Description Format (CDF).
• Supports cross-probing for both voltage and current from both Composer and Analog Artist schematics to Avant!'s AvanWaves waveform display tool
• Supports hierarchical parameter passing and algebraic function operations
• Preserves Star-Hspice hierarchical path names through a transparent net name mapping function
• Supports the Parameter Storage Format (PSF) output program for displaying waveforms with Analog Artist
• Provides an automatic library translation program for the Cadence sample and analogLib libraries and user-defined libraries
• Supports backannotation of operating points and element parameters back to the schematic
• Supports graphical setup of simulation initial conditions

Figure AvanLink Architecture for Design Framework II with Composer shows how AvanLink fits into the design process.

Figure B-1: AvanLink Architecture for Design Framework II with Composer

Environment

AvanLink provides an integrated environment that allows configuration of design, simulation, and display tools to support the chosen design flow. Develop the design using Composer, simulate it using Star-Hspice, and then view it using AvanWaves. Access AvanLink by selecting options on menus, or by using specific keys assigned to these options. Figure Star-Hspice AvanLink in a Cadence Composer Environment shows the operating environment for AvanLink.

Figure B-2: Star-Hspice AvanLink in a Cadence Composer Environment

AvanLink Design Flow

Figure AvanLink Design Flow is an overview of the process involved in creating a design with AvanLink.

Figure B-3: AvanLink Design Flow

Schematic Entry and Library Operations

AvanLink helps you design your schematic using the metaLib Component Description Format (CDF) library. This is a class-based library that includes all the Star-Hspice elements. Each element is described by a set of parameters that are organized in classes and subclasses. An example of a metaLib class-based CDF library structure for a source element is shown in Figure Example metaLib Library Structure for a Source Element.

As each element in the design is instantiated, a form is opened, automatically displaying the CDF parameters for that element. Modifications can be made to these parameters as necessary. AvanLink guarantees that Star-Hspice generates an accurate and syntactically correct netlist for simulation.

Figure B-4: Example metaLib Library Structure for a Source Element

Use the library interchange program supplied by AvanLink to convert personal or customized symbol libraries to incorporate metaLib CDF parameters. Figure AvanLink Library Interchange Function diagrams this procedure.

Figure B-5: AvanLink Library Interchange Function

Netlist Generation

AvanLink uses the Cadence Open Simulation System (OSS) to integrate Star-Hspice into the Cadence Simulation Environment (SE). The AvanLink netlister includes customized functions, in addition to those in the OSS Hierarchical Netlister, in order to provide the following features:

• Preservation of the pin names in the design
• Maintenance of the original design signal names
• Preservation of design hierarchy
• Time savings when dealing with large designs that require few modifications

Simulation

The simulation is run in a user-designated simulation directory. The Cadence simulation environment initializes this directory and copies the basic Star-Hspice control files into it. You can modify these files to add personal Star-Hspice commands as desired. All Star-Hspice analysis types, including advanced analyses such as Optimization and Monte Carlo, can be specified with the control file.

Waveform Display

Analyze and display output waveforms using the AvanWaves program. The cross-probing feature allows probing a net in the schematic window and viewing its signal in the AvanWaves display window. Cross-probing is supported for signals generated by transient, DC, or AC analysis. The cross-probing feature also allows pins to be probed for branch currents.

AvanLink also generates waveform format (PSF) for displaying in the Analog Artist environment and supports cross-probing and backannotation of the Analog Artist display.