Germany - IntroductionIHP is developing an open-source PDK for analog and RF designs. Detailed information and the current status can be found at IHP-Open-PDK. For our analog design flow RF simulation with EM Simulators are crucial for applications abov...

Description

IntroductionIHP is developing an open-source PDK for analog and RF designs. Detailed information and the current status can be found at IHP-Open-PDK. For our analog design flow RF simulation with EM Simulators are crucial for applications above 30 GHz. Within the project we evaluated successfully the open source simulator openEMS. This simulator is using Finite-differences-time domain (FDTD) as numerical approach which is accurate but becomes slow for more complex structures. In ASIC design parasitic extraction is not suitable any more for frequencies beyond 30 GHz. RF structures can become quite complex. In this study open source EM solvers on 2 other numerical methods Finite Element Method (FEM) and Method of Moments (MoM) should be evaluated. With this study we would like to initiate the implementation of at least on further EM simulator in open PDK IC design flow. RequirementsIHP is seeking qualified suppliers to undertake the following tasks:1. Tool selection- Select at least one open-source FEM based EM solver and one open-source MoM based solver as candidate for IHP open PDK- Main selection criteria are integration capability in existing open PDK and usability from IC designer point of view- Critical gaps need to be addressed 2. Detailed analysis on two selected EM solvers- Perform analysis based on test designs- Analysis of potential simulation time improvement in comparison to openEMS- Evaluation of fast solving modes (2D, 2.5D) and Multicore processing - Detailed gap analysis- Discussion with tool developers on existing gaps- Effort estimation for future implementation in IHP open PDKSubmission GuidelinesInterested suppliers should submit their proposals. Quotation should include:- A detailed project plan and timeline.- Relevant experience and qualifications.- Cost offer per work-package.Any developed software or scripts should be published open source under Apache 2.0 license. IHP shall receive unrestricted rights to use the developed software. We look forward to your submissions and the opportunity to work together to advance open-source tools and PDK development.

Opportunity closing date

20 September 2024

Value of contract

to be confirmed