Hi
In today's competitive semiconductor landscape, success lies not just in designing powerful chips but in ensuring that layouts are congestion-free and compliant with Design Rule Checks (DRC). This intricate skill is what sets apart a great VLSI designer from the rest - and it is exactly what the SFAL-VSD Advanced Certification Program offers.
One of the standout projects from our participants demonstrates the depth of technical knowledge gained through the program. Tushar, a participant, successfully completed a project titled:
"Congestion-Aware DRC-Compliant Mixed-Signal SoC
Design Incorporating RISC-V Processor and Dual Analog IPs"
This project is a reflection of critical skills the industry demands - from optimizing routing paths to managing mixed-signal designs, and from ensuring minimal congestion to maintaining DRC compliance. Tushar’s project involved detailed analysis of core utilization, routing overflow, and spacing violations in a complex SoC design.
Below are some of the key insights from the project, as illustrated in his graphs:
Core Concepts Demonstrated in the Project:
Core Utilization and Routing Congestion Analysis
- Tushar’s project meticulously analyzed the impact of core utilization on routing congestion. With increasing utilization, the challenge of managing
horizontal and vertical routing overflow was explored.
DRC Violation Management
- Maintaining compliance with design rules was a critical focus. The project examined how via-cut spacing, differential net spacing, and shorts arise as utilization increases, and offered strategies to mitigate these violations.
Mixed-Signal SoC Integration and Physical with RISC-V
Processor
- The project combined RISC-V core integration with dual analog IPs, ensuring not only functionality but also optimized layout performance by reducing congestion hotspots.
Both Directions Overflow Insights
- Special emphasis was placed on horizontal and vertical routing overflow, a crucial aspect that affects signal integrity and manufacturability.
A DRC-Compliant Final Layout
- Tushar’s final design ensured that the SoC not only performed efficiently but also adhered to all DRC rules, minimizing manufacturing risks.
Why This Skill Is Critical for the Industry?
With growing chip complexity and shrinking technology nodes, companies are increasingly focused on congestion-aware designs
and ensuring DRC compliance. Routing overflow and congestion not only affect chip performance but also increase the risk of manufacturing failures.
Professionals equipped with the ability to analyze congestion and manage DRC violations are in high demand across the semiconductor industry. The ability to seamlessly integrate analog and digital IPs, while ensuring compliance, is now a core skill
that employers seek.
The SFAL-VSD Advanced Certification Program bridges the gap between theory and practical industry skills. Participants are trained
to:
- Analyze routing congestion and manage core utilization efficiently.
- Ensure DRC compliance through real-world projects that mimic industry challenges.
- Integrate RISC-V cores and analog IPs within complex mixed-signal SoC designs.
- Develop advanced floorplans that balance functionality with manufacturability.
Through hands-on projects like Tushar’s, participants build a
portfolio that aligns with the industry's evolving needs, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.
Stay ahead of the market, sharpen your technical expertise, and build the future of semiconductors - one chip at a time
Register using below link (last 10 hours):
https://vsdsquadron.vlsisystemdesign.com/sfal/
