Open Source IC Tools/PDKs – challenges in PCB design for improved EMC?

Timm Ostermann, Institut für Integrierte Schaltungen, JKU Universität Linz
 

Abstract

During the EMC driven PCB design process, there is usually no detailed information about the internal structure of integrated circuits available. Therefore the influence of the ICs cannot be considered accordingly. One reason for this is the mandatory requirement to comply with Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) when using IC EDA software and especially the detailed technology information within the used PDKs (process design kits).

In the past, behavioral descriptions of the I/Os at IC level were used to consider the influences on the behavior in the PCBs, e.g. IBIS models. However, detailed descriptions on transistor level were not available.

Here now on the one hand the development and supply of open source tools and on the other hand in particular the use of open source technologies offers a promising possibility in the common design/the common consideration on PCB and IC level.

The talk deals with the state of the art in the field of open source tools and technologies and the possible use in the field of IC/PCB co-design, e.g. regarding ESD/EMC.