Smart libraries work with the circuit simulator Libra (*2) and run in either the MMIC design workstation, a hardware and software turnkey system developed under the MIMIC program sponsorship, or the design framework, Academy (*3). The simulated schematic diagram no longer has to be converted to a physical layout in a separate step. In effect, an important, time-consuming step has been eliminated. When the design simulation is completed and meets the desired specifications, the physical layout also is finished and ready for transfer to fabrication. This provides great convenience for MMIC design since the schematic circuit and physical layout are interrelated heavily. Since the Smart library combines the electrical simulation and physical layout models for each MMIC element, the MMIC designer can build his circuit using either or both representations. The simulation models used in the libraries are tailored to meet the design rules and element models that have been verified by the foundry.
The Smart library combines features that provide improved accuracy for MMIC design, ease of use and reduced design cycle time. The libraries are constructed to ensure proper behavior through a coordinated effort involving the circuit simulation, layout and fabrication groups at each foundry. These libraries include schematic symbols, simulation models and layout representations for element configurations most often used in MMIC design. EEsof is constructing Smart libraries for foundries in all five MIMIC partners. Smart libraries have been constructed through a coordinated effort among the MIMIC Phase I team members, including GE, Hughes Aircraft, AT&T, Harris Microwave, and M/A-COM.
Smart libraries combine an electrical model of MMIC components with each component's physical layout, offering MMIC designers an intuitive method for MMIC development, while increasing efficiency and accuracy in MMIC design. Custom-Defined MMIC Libraries Link Simulation and Physical LayoutĮEsof has developed a new approach to MMIC design for the DoD MIMIC program that uses Smart (*1) (simulatable microwave artwork) libraries.