Tools
In the course we will be using open source tools.
Word of warning
If you’re unfamiliar with linux, git, make, compiling, then I’m afraid just getting the tools installed will be a difficult thing for you. The tools run on both linux and MacOS. If you use windows, then install the tools in windows subsystem for linux, and use MobaXterm to connect linux server or to the local wsl installation. On Windows 11, or the latest WSL with GUI, you don’t need the MobaXterm.
The reason I want you to learn to install the tools is because they are continuously evolving, and you should know how to install future versions. In addition, all engineers should know the principles of installing tools. The more you know, the more indispensible you become for an employer, and it becomes easier to talk to people that know alot.
Analog tools
| Tool | What | Website | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| open_pdks | Install pdk | open_pdks | git clone https://github.com/RTimothyEdwards/open_pdks |
| ngspice | Spice simulator | ngspice | git clone https://git.code.sf.net/p/ngspice/ngspice |
| magic | Layout and DRC | magic | git clone https://github.com/RTimothyEdwards/magic |
| xschem | Schematic | xschem | git clone https://github.com/StefanSchippers/xschem.git |
| netgen | Layout versus Schematic | netgen | git clone https://github.com/RTimothyEdwards/netgen.git |
| cicsim | Python script to simplify IP creation and corner simuloation | cicsim | git clone https://github.com/wulffern/cicsim |
Digital tools
| Tool | What | Website | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| OpenLane | Full synthesis, place and route, and timing closure for digital | openlane | https://openlane.readthedocs.io/en/latest/getting_started/installation.html |
Option 1: Install the tools via aicex
See Getting Started
Option 2: Docker - with someone else than me maintaining
See https://github.com/iic-jku/iic-osic-tools
Option 3: Install from source
You know what to do I assume