Automatic Analog IC Sizing and Optimization Constrained with PVT Corners and Layout Effects

This book introduces readers to a variety of tools for automatic analog integrated circuit (IC) sizing and optimization. The authors provide a historical perspective on the early methods proposed to tackle automatic analog circuit sizing, with emphasis on the methodologies to size and optimize the circuit, and on the methodologies to estimate the circuit’s performance. The discussion also includes robust circuit design and optimization and the most recent advances in layout-aware analog sizing approaches. The authors describe a methodology for an automatic flow for analog IC design, including details of the inputs and interfaces, multi-objective optimization techniques, and the enhancements made in the base implementation by using machine leaning techniques. The Gradient model is discussed in detail, along with the methods to include layout effects in the circuit sizing. The concepts and algorithms of all the modules are thoroughly described, enabling readers to reproduce the methodologies, improve the quality of their designs, or use them as starting point for a new tool. An extensive set of application examples is included to demonstrate the capabilities and features of the methodologies described.

Author Biography

Nuno C.C. Lourenço is a Post-Doctoral Researcher in the Integrated Circuits group, within the Instituto de Telecomunicações in Lisbon, Portugal.

Ricardo M. F. Martins is a Post-Doctoral Researcher in the Integrated Circuits group, within the Instituto de Telecomunicações in Lisbon, Portugal.

Nuno C. G. Horta is Professor at Instituto Superior Técnico from University of Lisbon and Senior Researcher in the Integrated Circuits group, within the Instituto de Telecomunicações in Lisbon, Portugal.