Multiple specifications radio-frequency integrated circuit design with automatic template-driven layout retargeting

Abstract

We present an automatic layout retargeting tool that generates analog and RF layouts incorporating new device sizes and geometries based on new circuit specifications. A graph-based symbolic template is automatically constructed from a practical layout such that expert designer knowledge embedded in the layout is preserved. The template can be solved for multiple layouts based on different device sizes and geometries, satisfying several different specifications. Symmetry conservation and passive device modification are also embedded in the tool. The retargeting tool is demonstrated on a voltage controlled oscillator to generate three layouts with different target goals. While manual redesign is known to take days to finish, the automatic layout retargeting tool takes a few hours to generate a reusable template and takes minutes to generate comparable layouts.