BALLISTIC: an analog layout language

Author

Owen, B.R. ; Duncan, R. ; Jantzi, S. ; Ouslis, C. ; Rezania, S. ; Martin, K.

Author_Institution

Dept. of Electr. & Comput. Eng., Toronto Univ., Ont., Canada

fYear

1995

fDate

1-4 May 1995

Firstpage

41

Lastpage

44

Abstract

A high-level language intended for analog layout is described. Code written in the language is compiled into the Mentor Graphics Lx language and executed in the GDT layout environment. The language allows analog circuits to be described hierarchically using objects such as transistors, differential-pairs, current-mirrors, and capacitor arrays as building-blocks (custom library objects are also supported). All objects are fully-parameterized and technology-independent, and placement and routing are specified relatively. Hence, circuits described in the language are easily ported to new technologies without changing code. The language is also concise. For example, a fully-parameterized op amp was described using 230 lines of BALLISTIC code, as compared to over 17,000 lines of Lx code

Keywords

circuit layout CAD; high level languages; integrated circuit layout; mixed analogue-digital integrated circuits; network routing; BALLISTIC; GDT layout environment; Mentor Graphics Lx language; analog layout language; capacitor arrays; current-mirrors; custom library objects; differential-pairs; fully-parameterized op amp; high-level language; placement; routing; Analog circuits; Analog computers; Capacitors; Gas discharge devices; Graphics; Integrated circuit technology; Layout; Libraries; Operational amplifiers; Routing;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Custom Integrated Circuits Conference, 1995., Proceedings of the IEEE 1995

Conference_Location

Santa Clara, CA

Print_ISBN

0-7803-2584-2

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/CICC.1995.518134

Filename

518134