The TSMC kit was developed using Agilent’s simulation and modeling solutions. It provides silicon correlation results; extracted S-parameter models for various interconnects, transmission lines and transformers; simulation test benches, and a flow tutorial that helps customers design high-frequency, high-bandwidth wireless ICs with confidence.
Agilent collaborated closely with us on RF and electromagnetic design enablement. With deep expertise in RF design and analysis, they were a natural choice as a partner on the 60-GHz Reference Design Kit, said Suk Lee, director of design infrastructure marketing at TSMC. We want to deliver a comprehensive simulation and modeling solution crossing system, millimeter wave circuit and interconnect-as-component boundaries, and Agilent is the leading EDA provider that can deliver the complete solution.
Until recently customers developing 60-GHz CMOS wireless gigabit link or radar ICs had to create and maintain their own millimeter wave CMOS process design kits (PDKs), an expensive and time-consuming effort, said Paul Colestock, RFIC planning and marketing manager for Agilent’s EEsof EDA organization. TSMC and Agilent have connected the dots for customers by providing a certified millimeter wave-ready RDK for evaluation, which includes a 60-GHz CMOS reference design and a tutorial along with Agilent’s comprehensive millimeter wave CMOS design solutions for the Cadence Virtuoso platform.
TSMC and Agilent plan to present and discuss the 60-GHz reference design and flow at the Design Automation Conference, June 5-9, in San Diego, as well as at the International Microwave Symposium, June 5-10, in Baltimore.