Cadence Tutorial
This class will be making use of the Cadence software suite for integrated circuit design. Specifically, we will be using Cadence to perform circuit simulation, layout, and verification. The Cadence design suite runs on Unix/Linux operating systems. As a result, you will need to use any CSEE Linux computer to run Cadence (e.g. computers in 756 and 813 ESB). After logging into a departmental Linux machine, you need to open a terminal by clicking on "Applications" in the upper left-hand portion of the screen. Then choose "Accessories" and finally "Terminal." Now you are ready to proceed with setting up Cadence and then running the ICFB application.Setting Up the Cadence Libraries
Carefully follow these instructions to set up Cadence for the first time.
Starting Cadence
At this point, you should be logged into a departmental Linux machine and in your "~/cadence" directory (you can type "pwd" without the quotes at the command prompt to print your working directory to ensure you are in the correct location). Make sure that you have sourced the correct file (from the instructions link above). Now, you are ready to lauch Cadence by typing "icfb" at the command prompt, for IC design from front to back. At this point in time, three windows should pop up, which are the command window, the library manager, and a message window. You may close the message window, but you need to keep the other two windows open.
Video Tutorials
To view these video files, you will need a flash player (e.g. VLC Player or anything that can play .FLV files) and either speakers or headphones to hear the audio commentary. You are highly encouraged to follow along with the tutorials.Getting Started
Working with Schematics
- Tutorial 2.1 Creating schematics (CS Amp Example)
- Tutorial 2.2 Creating
symbols (Inverter Example)
- Tutorial 3.1 DC simulations
- Tutorial 3.2 AC simulations
- Tutorial 3.3 Transient simulations
- Tutoiral 3.4 Parametric sweeps
- Tutorial 3.5 Simulating with
the EKV model
- Tutorial 3.6
Porting simulation data to MATLAB
Layout and Verification
- Tutorial 4.1 Creating layout (CS Amp Example), Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3
- Tutorial 4.2 Design rules check (DRC)
- Tutorial 4.3 Extraction
- Tutorial 4.4 Layout versus schematic (LVS)
Padframe
Using Cadence Remotely
You can log into one of the Cadence machines remotely, but this will make for a highly unsatsifactory experience, and I strongly recommend against it. If you decide to do so, here are a couple of hints that will make this possible. If you are going to do this, you will definitely want to be on campus. An off campus connection will be far too slow, and will leave you very frustrated.Getting Started in Windows
As long as you have a Windows computer connected to the network anywhere in WVU (a fast connection here is very helpful) that is able to run an X server, you will be able to run Cadence remotely through Windows. You have several options for obtaining an X server, and two will be highlighted.
The easiest method is using X-Win32, which is available for free but limits you to 30-minute session unless you have a license (you may obtain a 30-day evaluation license from the Starnet website). You will also need an SSH client, such as PuTTY. From here, follow the instructions located here.
You can also use Cygwin, which typically requires a long download and setup time. Please see the instructions on obtaining Cygwin from the class CAD page, and then you should follow the procedure outlined here to start the X server.
Starting Cadence
At this point, you should be ready to log into one of the Linux machines with Cadence on it. To do so, using whichever terminal you have selected (Linux terminal, PuTTY, or Cygwin's XTerm), SSH into the Cadence server using your username.
ssh -Y username@computer
(If the -Y flag does not work, then try the -X flag.)
You can now follow the instructions above to lauch the Cadence design tools.