Teaching mixed-mode full-custom VLSI design with gaf, SpiceOpus and Glade

This paper proposes a complete and free-ware EDA framework for teaching mixed-mode full-custom VLSI design. The presented set of EDA tools and associated physical design kit allows students to gain hands-on 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, DRC, LVS, parasitics extraction, post-layout simulation and tape-out. A practical VLSI design case based on a ΔΣ modulator for A/D conversion in a simple CMOS technology is supplied to illustrate the capabilities of the proposed strategy. Students can easily make use of the presented EDA environment both at laboratory and at home, since all tools are available for MS Windows and Linux platforms.