Support Forum

RTL to GDS for X-Fab Problem

M

Monday 4th July 2022
I'm using the LayoutEditor Full Version, build: 20211015, and the XFab PDK version xh035-stdformats-iPDK-6.6.2.3 This is being run in WSL Linux Ubunto 20.04.4 When I try to run RTL to GDS for X-Fab, I get the following Error Message: No digital library defined. Please set it inside the ProjectSettings.tcl file in your project folder. Execution terminated! I have all the correct files (I think) in the working project directory, including autoLoadMacro.layout. I launch layout in the working directory using: sudo layout -a It appears the X-Fab settings are getting properly configured; here is the output at startup: <> ------------------------------------------- <> <> Loading XFAB PDK components <> generic O.K <> juspertor O.K <> basic O.K <> exports O.K <> custom O.K <> cdf O.K <> xh035 O.K <> <> ------------------------------------------- <> <> Technology xh035 <> Version v6_6_2_3 <> LibCode 1021 <> Core MOS <> Mos5A no Mos5A <> Mim MIM <> Metal METAL4 <> <> ------------------------------------------- Here is the ProjectSettings.tcl file: #---------------------------------------------------------------------------- #do not modify this file #---------------------------------------------------------------------------- proc ProjectSettings {} { global Project set Project [list \ [list KitFlowVersion v3_1_3] \ [list Technology xh035] \ [list libCode 1021] \ [list Version v6_6_2_3] \ [list Type new] \ [list AnalogLibs {}] \ [list Core MOS] \ [list DRCTool {}] \ [list DigitalLibs {}] \ [list DrcRunsetFile {}] \ [list EsdLibs {}] \ [list GatesPcell {}] \ [list HspiceLib {{./Hspice/mos/xh035.lib tm} {./Hspice/mos/param.lib 3s}}] \ [list HspiceModule mos] \ [list HspiceVersion {v6_6 v6_6_2}] \ [list LVSSchNetlistFormat CDL] \ [list LVSTool {}] \ [list LvsRunsetFile {}] \ [list Metal METAL4] \ [list Mim MIM] \ [list Mos5A {no Mos5A}] \ [list PRIMLIB PRIMLIB] \ [list Primlib PRIMLIB_1021] \ [list PrimlibDataSheetVersion {v6_6 v6_6_1}] \ [list RunsetCode MOS_MET4_MIM] \ [list StreamLayerMapFile ./strmInOut.layertable] \ [list StreamObjectMapFile ./strmOutObjects.map] \ [list TechFile TECH_XH035_1021] \ [list XticFlow new] \ [list edaTool XFABiPDK.F1] \ [list warn {no Info}] \ ] } It appears the error is getting triggered because the rtl2gds-xfab.layout script wants something in the [list DigitalLibs {}] field, which is empty. Any suggestions on a fix? Thank You
Jürgen
LayoutEditorFull
Monday 4th July 2022
The package 'xh035-stdformats-iPDK-6.6.2.3' contains the technology setup and the primary cells for the xh035 technology. However it does not contains any digital cells like a AND2 gate. These digital libraries are in a separate package and need to be downloaded from X-Fab and installed separately. Once installed you need to edit your ProjectSettings file and add the digital library you want to use under *DigitalLibs* like ```[list DigitalLibs {"D_CELLSL"}] \``` The rtl2gds-xfab.layout macro will then be able to find the library on your system and forwards the xh035_D_CELLSL.lef file the OpenRoad. OpenRoad is an open source tool doing a RTL to a DEF file. The LayoutEditor will then read the DEF file and can perform a LVS.
M

Monday 4th July 2022
Thanks for quick response Jurgen, Is it just the .lef file(s) that are needed? The instructions in the X-fab info files says this: ------------------------ Installation: cd $X_DIR tar -xvfz xh035-D_CELLS-LEF-v5_0_2.tar.gz ************************************************************************************ In our case using LayoutEditor, is the $X_DIR -> /root/xh035/ (this is the directory where stdformats directory was installed under)? In this case, I assume the project file would be modified to: [list DigitalLibs {"D_CELLS"}] \ Just wondering where the expression "D_CELLS" would be defined to point to xh035_D_CELLS.lef? Does that need to be specified with a path in the ProjectSettings file as well? Thanks, Tim
Jürgen
LayoutEditorFull
Monday 4th July 2022
You will need the LEF file, the liberty file and the OpenAccess database with the D-CELLS. Like the other package the shipped macro *X-Fab Installer* will extract and put anything to the correct place. It is located in the layout window under Utilities/Technology/X-Fab. LEF-file and Liberty file will be needed for OpenRoad to perform a RTL to DEF and LayoutEditor will need the OpenAccess database to perform the DEF to GDS.
M

Tuesday 5th July 2022
Is the OpenAccess database specific to the X-Fab D-CELLS modules? I didn't see any downloadable OA files from X-Fab. Are any verilog files needed such as D_CELLS-verilog? Thanks
Jürgen
LayoutEditorFull
Tuesday 5th July 2022
I have just checked the packages on my.xfab.com. The package with the OpenAccess database of the digital cells is now named *xh035-D_CELLS-synopsys_CustomCompiler-version.tar.gz*. It is pure OpenAccess and should run without any adjustment with the LayoutEditor. Just for the primar/analog package you will need the package named *xh035-stdformats-IPDK* and not the Synopsys package which contains some Synopsys specific adjustments. It seems that the OpenRoad synthesizer is fine with the Liberty files and do not need additional Verilog file.