A multi-step P-cell for LNA design automation

This paper presents a novel way to efficiently implement parametric cells (P-cells). A narrow-band LNA is used as demonstration vehicle. In the P-cell, circuit parameters such as transistor size, bias condition and passive values are determined automatically for any given reachable target performance. To achieve both high accuracy and relatively high speed, a new iterative stepped approach is used with respect to speed and accuracy, starting with moderate-accuracy and fast optimization that yields the starting point for the next higher- accuracy and slower optimization step. The presented approach can be extended to other types of circuits.