Title :
TAMTAMS: A flexible and open tool for UDSM process-to-system design space exploration
Author :
Vacca, Marco ; Graziano, Mariagrazia ; Demarchi, Danilo ; Piccinini, Gianluca
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Electron. & Telecommun., Politec. di Torino, Torino, Italy
Abstract :
Ultra Deep Sub-Micron (UDSM) processes, as well as beyond CMOS technology choices, influence circuits performance with a chain of consequences through devices, circuits and systems that are difficult to predict. Nonetheless effective design-space exploration enables process optimization and early design organization. We introduce TAMTAMS, a tool based on an open, flexible and simple structure, which allows to predict system level features starting from technology variables. It is modular and based on a clear dependency tree of modules, each related to a model of specific quantities (e.g. device currents, circuit delay, interconnects noise, ....) presented in literature. Models can be compared and sensitivity to parameters observed. We believe our contribution gives a fresh point of view on process-to-system predictors. Though still in development, it already shows flexibility and allows a traceable path of a technology parameter on its way to the system level.
Keywords :
CMOS integrated circuits; VLSI; optimisation; CMOS technology; TAMTAMS; UDSM process-to-system design space exploration; circuits performance; clear dependency tree; design organization; parameters sensitivity; process optimization; system level features prediction; ultra-deep submicron process; Analytical models; CMOS integrated circuits; CMOS technology; Integrated circuit modeling; Leakage current; Logic gates; Semiconductor device modeling;
Conference_Titel :
Ultimate Integration on Silicon (ULIS), 2012 13th International Conference on
Conference_Location :
Grenoble
Print_ISBN :
978-1-4673-0191-6
Electronic_ISBN :
978-1-4673-0190-9
DOI :
10.1109/ULIS.2012.6193377