Description

Introduction

RedHawk-SC from Synopsys is an advanced full-chip power integrity analysis platform. It is used for dynamic and static IR drop, electromigration, and power noise analysis in large-scale SoC designs. Moreover, it enables accurate early-stage and signoff-ready power analysis.

In addition, it integrates design data, power intent, and packaging information into a unified simulation environment. Therefore, it ensures highly accurate and reliable power integrity results across complex design hierarchies.

Learner Prerequisites

• Basic understanding of VLSI design flow and CMOS fundamentals
• Familiarity with standard cell libraries and power distribution networks (PDN)
• Knowledge of physical design stages such as floorplanning, placement, and routing
• Understanding of UPF/CPF power intent formats is recommended
• Awareness of STA concepts and timing signoff basics

Table of Contents

1. Design Data Fundamentals

1.1 Overview of RTL-to-GDSII design flow context and stages
1.2 Key design files: netlist, DEF, LEF, and SPEF interpretation
1.3 Cell libraries and technology node dependencies in signoff flow
1.4 Hierarchical vs flat design representation handling strategies

2. Power Intent Basics (UPF/CPF)

2.1 Introduction to power intent concepts in low-power design
2.2 UPF structure: supply sets, power domains, and isolation rules
2.3 CPF vs UPF mapping and compatibility in analysis flow
2.4 Power state definitions and switching behavior modeling techniques

3. Library & Technology File Setup

3.1 Liberty (.lib) characterization for accurate power analysis
3.2 Technology file configuration for metal stack and resistivity modeling
3.3 Corner setup for PVT variation handling in signoff
3.4 Correlation between library models and final signoff accuracy

4. Power Grid & Package Modeling

4.1 On-chip power grid extraction and representation techniques
4.2 Package model integration using RLC networks
4.3 Via resistance and bump modeling for realistic analysis
4.4 Decap modeling and PDN optimization input considerations

5. Design Data Integration in RedHawk-SC

5.1 Importing netlist and physical design databases into the tool
5.2 Merging power intent with physical connectivity models
5.3 Hierarchical design data stitching and validation methods
5.4 Handling multi-mode multi-corner (MMMC) configurations

6. Analysis Setup & Validation Checks

6.1 Defining analysis modes: static and dynamic IR drop
6.2 Setup validation and consistency checks before simulation
6.3 Voltage source and rail definition mapping techniques
6.4 Runtime setup verification and error handling strategies

7. Debugging & Optimization of Setup

7.1 Identifying common setup mismatches in power intent
7.2 Debugging connectivity and missing rail issues
7.3 Performance tuning for large-scale design runs
7.4 Reducing runtime using abstraction techniques
7.5 Signoff-quality setup validation strategies

Conclusion

This training provides a structured foundation for setting up design data and configuring power intent in RedHawk-SC. In addition, it enables accurate and efficient power integrity analysis. Therefore, learners can effectively model complex SoC power systems. Ultimately, it helps ensure reliable, signoff-ready power analysis flows.