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Tools and Technologies
Design-to-manufacturing tool
SiVL verifies the layout of a subwavelength IC against the silicon it's intended to produce. The tool contains a simulation engine that considers the lithography and etch characteristics of the specific process that will
be used during manufacturing. SiVL may also help to determine whether a design needs optical proximity correction (OPC), to define where and how much OPC will be needed, and to evaluate whether the OPC worked. The tool performs silicon-versus-layout verification, in contrast to other physical verification tools that apply OPC and then simply check design rules (DRC) or perform layout-versus-schematic (LVS) verification. The SiVL models, technology, and methodology work with Numeritech's In-Phase
phase-shifting tool. SiVL is available now for Windows NT, Sun Solaris, and HP-UX, starting at $195,000. Numerical Technologies, Inc. (Numeritech), Santa Clara, CA. Contact (408) 919-1910 or www.numeritech.com.
PCI core
CorePCI Version 5.2 is a programmable 64-bit, 66-MHz PCI core, provided in RTL format, that includes target only, master only and master/target (containing target+DMA and target+master) functions. It offers a migration path to ASIC conversion and future process geometries. A
target+master can act as the target on the PCI bus and is capable of performing data transfers under the control of a PCI master. The target transfers data to or from the target's back-end memory and the PCI bus during a cycle initiated by a master. It can act as a master with its DMA control registers being configured from the back end by a back-end microprocessor. The master can initiate memory, I/O, and configuration cycles on the PCI bus. When acting as master, it can initiate configuration cycles, memory
cycles, and I/O cycles. The soft core is available as customizable VHDL and Verilog code, and a firm solution is also available. The CorePCI, in a full RTL code version for restricted use in Actel devices only, includes unlimited reuse and free upgrades for two years, and costs $4,995. The CorePCI also includes the RTL soft core in both VHDL and Verilog configurations, and a test bench to verify compliance, synthesis, and simulation scripts. Actel Corp., Sunnyvale, CA. Contact (888)992-2835 or www.actel.com.
C++ library and simulator
The open source Cynlib v1.1 adds support for Windows NT and HP-UX platforms to its existing support for Solaris and Linux. A new threads implementation has increased simulation performance. The macro preprocessor Cyn++, a bridge between traditional HDLs and C++, is now available in both Verilog and VHDL flavors. Cynapps is also unbundling its Cyn++ and Cyntax tools from its tool suite. The latest version of Cynlib is freely available under an open source
license and can be downloaded directly from the Cynapps Web site. Cyn++ is now available as a standalone product for $1,000 for a single-user license. The CynApps Hardware Modeler, a new product bundle that starts at $25,000, offers a C++ based modeling, simulation, and verification methodology. The Cynapps Hardware Modeler provides licenses for up to 10 users of Cyn++ and Cyntax, and includes direct Cynlib support. Cynapps, Inc., Santa Clara, CA. Contact (408) 588-4000 or www.cynapps.com.
Graphical design entry
Expressive-II allows ASIC designers to quickly enter a design concept with very little overhead using a freeform graphical approach based on blocks, bundles, and ports. The tool allows complex designs to be partitioned and refined using hierarchy, and enables the sharing of diagrams across dispersed geographical locations. It keeps track of the signals and produces an RTL (Verilog or VHDL) template in any editor. The user then enters the functional RTL code for the low-level blocks
in the template. Blocks can be linked into any other tool or set of tools, such as test bench, simulator, waveform and power analysis tools, using Expressive-II. It facilitates design reuse by automatically documenting the complete ASIC as well as the subblocks. The system has the look and feel of Windows, but runs under Unix, Windows, and NT. Expressive-II is available at $4,950 for a floating license. Expressive Systems, Inc., Westford, MA. Contact (978) 692-1978 or www.expressivesystems.com.
Linux simulator
The Modelsim simulator now runs on the Linux OS and offers 64-bit support. Modelsim Elite Edition (EE) and Special Edition (SE) support for Red Hat Linux version 6.0 is now available, and customers on maintenance will receive the Linux support for no additional charge. Model Technology, Inc., Portland, Ore. Contact (503) 641-1340 or www.model.com.
5-pin package
A five-pin ESV package for single-gate CMOS logic ICs brings low power consumption and high-speed
operation to a package with the dimensions of 1.6 mm x 1.2 mm x 0.55 mm. The package has a printed circuit board footprint up to 40 percent smaller than that of the USV package, at 2.0 mm x 1.25 mm x 0.9 mm, which is currently standard in the industry. The 5-pin ESV is available now, with pricing beginning at $0.20 each. Toshiba America Electronic Components, Irvine, CA. Contact (800) 879-4963 ext. 240 or www.toshiba.com/taec.
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Copyright © 2000
Integrated System Design
Magazine
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