A Freeware EDA Framework for Teaching Mixed-Mode Full-Custom VLSI Design

This paper presents a freeware EDA framework for teaching mixed-mode full-custom VLSI design. The proposed set of EDA tools and associated physical design kit (PDK) allows students to gain handson experience on ASIC design tasks covering schematic entry, both at system and circuit levels, HDL system simulation and block specification, automatic circuit optimization, PCell-based layout, physical verification, parasitics extraction, post-layout simulation and tape-out. A practical design case based on a ∆Σ modulator for A/D conversion in a simple CMOS technology is supplied to illustrate the capabilities of the proposed EDA framework. Students can easily make use of the presented environment both at laboratory and at home, since all EDA tools are available for MS Windows and Linux platforms.