Title
Ready-To-Fabricate Rf Circuit Synthesis Using A Layout- And Variability-Aware Optimization-Based Methodology
Abstract
In this paper, physical implementations and measurement results are presented for several Voltage Controlled Oscillators that were designed using a fully-automated, layout- and variability-aware optimization-based methodology. The methodology uses a highly accurate model, based on machine-learning techniques, to characterize inductors, and a multi-objective optimization algorithm to achieve a Pareto-optimal front containing optimal circuit designs offering different performance trade-offs. The final outcome of the proposed methodology is a set of design solutions (with their GDSII description available and ready-to-fabricate) that need no further designer intervention. Two key elements of the proposed methodology are the use of an optimization algorithm linked to an off-the-shelf simulator and an inductor model that yield EM-like accuracy but with much shorter evaluation times. Furthermore, the methodology guarantees the same high level of robustness against layout parasitics and variability that an expert designer would achieve with the verification tools at his/her disposal. The methodology is technology-independent and can be used for the design of radio frequency circuits. The results are validated with experimental measurements on a physical prototype.
Year
DOI
Venue
2020
10.1109/ACCESS.2020.2980211
IEEE ACCESS
Keywords
DocType
Volume
Inductors, Integrated circuit modeling, Optimization, Layout, Radio frequency, Optical fibers, Integrated circuit synthesis, electronic design automation and methodology, inductors, metamodeling, radio frequency, voltage-controlled oscillator
Journal
8
ISSN
Citations 
PageRank 
2169-3536
0
0.34
References 
Authors
0
9
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Fábio Passos100.34
Elisenda Roca212926.84
Ricardo Martins317920.81
Nuno C. Lourenço412218.24
Saiyd Ahyoune511.11
Javier J. Sieiro6244.73
R. Castro-López77918.20
Nuno Cavaco Horta831049.65
Francisco V. Fernández923440.82