CAD tools for embedded analogue circuits in mixed-signal integrated systems on chip

The paper gives an overview of methods and tools that are needed to design and embed analogue and RF blocks in mixed-signal integrated systems on chip (SoC). The design of these SoCs is characterised by growing design complexities and shortening time to market constraints. This requires new mixed-signal design methodologies and flows, including high-level architectural explorations and techniques for analogue behavioural modelling. This also calls for new methods to increase analogue design productivity, such as the reuse of analogue blocks as well as the adoption of analogue and RF circuit and layout synthesis tools. Also, more detailed modelling and verification tools are needed that can analyse signal integrity and crosstalk problems, especially noise coupling problems caused by the embedding of the analogue circuits in a digital environment. Solutions that already exist today are presented, and challenges that still remain to be solved are outlined.