Synopsys, Inc. has developed an RF design reference flow and companion design solutions kit (DSK) that enhance productivity and speed design closure on Samsung Foundry's 8nm RF low-power FinFET process. The 8nm RF design reference flow, which features tightly integrated solutions from Synopsys and Ansys, enhances time-to-results, quality-of-results and cost-of-results for next-generation RF design. Enabling Greater Connectivity in Digital World: Advanced-node analog and RF designs are integral to the applications fueling digital world of smart everything.

However, it can be complex and time-consuming to design these chips to meet the bandwidth and latency requirements of applications like 5G/6G, automotive and high-performance computing. Available now, the 8nm RF design reference flow streamlines the process with features that deliver faster layout design turnaround time with circuit simulation and layout productivity performance, as well as accurate electromagnetic (EM) modeling. The reference flow documents a proven methodology for RF design with Synopsys and Ansys tools that spans schematic design, simulation, layout, extraction, electromagnetic (EM) simulation and physical verification.

The associated DSK includes a set of application notes, tutorials and design examples that cover advanced design methodology topics, including: In-design parasitic analysis – the ability to measure parasitics on canvas using signoff tools during layout; On-chip inductor design – the ability to generate inductor devices with Ansys VeloceRF™ integrated with Synopsys Custom Compiler™ design and layout environment; Partial layout extraction and simulation – the ability to do parasitic simulation using parasitics extracted from partially completed designs to get early feedback of the parasitic impact on designs; Design reuse with templates – the ability to create high-quality layout in less time by using Synopsys Custom Compiler layout templates. Key elements of the flow include the Synopsys Custom Design Family of products, featuring the Synopsys Custom Compiler™ design and layout product, Synopsys PrimeSim™ circuit simulation product, Synopsys StarRC™ parasitic extraction signoff product and Synopsys IC Validator™ physical verification product; Ansys VeloceRF inductive component and transmission line synthesis product; and Ansys RaptorX™ and Ansys RaptorH™, the advanced nanometer EM analysis products.