Using synthesis in the analog-design flow

摘要

Analog-synthesis tools provide great potential for speeding the design process for analog circuits. This capability is especially important in mixed-signal-system-on-chip design, in which the analog portion presents one of the biggest bottlenecks. Analog-synthesis tools also let you examine high-level analog-design trade-offs early in the design process. Frequently, they generate better performing designs that require less power and area. An established flow for analog design starts with determining your design objectives. You then select a topology, set up testbenches and related simulations, and use feedback from simulations to configure the circuit parameters. If necessary, you perform layout and verification of the design and circuit reconfiguration. Figure 1 depicts the design flow for an analog-synthesis product. The flow is traditional enough to minimize the problems that might result from a drastic change to the established methods.