Virtuoso Variation Option

The Cadence^® Virtuoso^® Variation Option extends the statistical variation capabilities of Cadence’s Virtuoso ADE Assembler and Virtuoso ADE Verifier to allow for more sophisticated statistical analyses to be performed on any design. Specialized technology is also available for advanced-node designs.

Statistical sample reordering 

Directly addresses the significant challenges associated with 3-sigma design, especially at an advanced process node or low V_dd. Virtuoso Variation Option provides a statistical approach to verify circuit yield or create corners efficiently by reordering the samples to simulate the worst samples first. The method is co-developed with major foundries to provide with additional speedup for FinFET technology at 16nm and below.

High-yield estimation for 4-, 5-, or 6-sigma analysis

Parametric high-yield estimation is often required on devices that have extremely high volume (i.e., memory devices), or when testing the circuit limits is a must when failure of the part is not an option (i.e., automotive safety or medical devices). The Virtuoso Variation Option provides two methods of simulation to meet and match your needs and conditions:

• Scaled-sigma sampling (SSS): This preferred statistical method generates samples where the standard deviation has been scaled up which is more accurate than WCD for nonlinear behavior and more efficient when there is a large number of statistical parameters and specifications.
• Worst-case distance (WCD): This statistical method defines the shortest distance from the nominal point to the specification boundary in the process/mismatch parameter space. WCD typically requires under 100 simulations for each spec and so is suitable for designs with a small number of specs/parameters that need to be monitored/changed.

Automated yield improvement flow

Virtuoso Variation Option has an “Improve Yield” command that will return a design to a state where it meets all of the design criteria and has the highest possible yield. If no such point has been reached it will run iterative analyses on the current criteria and determine the conditions for highest possible yield for that design.

Mismatch contribution analysis

Virtuoso Variation Option has a mismatch contribution analysis feature which is a Monte Carlo post-processing feature that helps in identifying the important contributors to mismatch variation. You can then modify the identified devices in the schematic and make the design less sensitive to mismatch variation. 

Automotive TCL1 Certified for ISO 26262

The industry’s first analog/mixed-signal design implementation and verification flow to achieve “Fit for Purpose - Tool Confidence Level 1 (TCL1)” certification enables you to meet stringent ISO 26262 automotive safety requirements. The flow brings transistor-level designs from creation and simulation through physical implementation and verification using the Virtuoso ADE Product Suite and the Spectre® Circuit Simulation Platform. The Virtuoso ADE Verifier provides design engineers with an integrated means to validate the safety specifications against individual circuit specifications for design confidence. For information on the safety manuals, Tool Confidence Analysis (TCA) documents, and compliance reports from TÜV SÜD, download the Functional Safety Documentation Kits through Cadence Online Support.