Introduction
Sonnet Suite’s plug-in for the Cadence Virtuoso suite enables the RFIC designer to configure and run the EM analysis from a layout cell, extract accurate electrical models, and create a schematic symbol for Analog Design Environment simulation with Spectre, HSPICE and Golden Gate by Keysight. A Broadband Spice extraction module is also available that provides high-order Spice models suitable for Spice simulation. SPICE Model Synthesis in the Sonnet User’s Guide.
You can take advantage of Sonnet’s accuracy without leaving the Virtuoso environment. Although, for expert users who wish to take advantage of powerful advanced features not presently supported in the integrated environment, the partnership of Cadence and Sonnet has simplified the process of moving EM projects into Sonnet and resultant models back into Virtuoso.
This manual assumes that you are familiar with the basics of both Sonnet and using Virtuoso. If this is not true, we recommend referring to the appropriate documentation for whichever program you need to learn. If you are new to Sonnet, we suggest performing the tutorials in the Getting Started manual.
Sonnet’s Cadence Virtuoso Interface provides a completely integrated “solver on request” interface between Cadence’s Virtuoso and Sonnet’s software. The interface allows you to stay completely in the Cadence Virtuoso environment using Sonnet’s EM analysis engine, or you may choose to edit your circuits in the Sonnet environment before running the EM analysis. Either way, your resulting models are easily integrated back into the Virtuoso environment.
The illustration below shows how the Cadence Virtuoso Interface relates to the Sonnet suite.
The Cadence Virtuoso Interface is automatically installed when you perform your Sonnet Installation. Please refer to the Linux Installation Manual for instructions on installing Sonnet software.
The Cadence Virtuoso Interface is already contained within the Sonnet Software Installation. The interface may require some further installation to be performed. Please refer to the installation instructions for installing Sonnet software in the Linux Installation Manual and for loading the Cadence Virtuoso Interface below.
For a complete list of requirements and testing updates, please see
www.sonnetsoftware.com/requirements
The Cadence Virtuoso Interface is only available if you have purchased a Cadence Virtuoso Interface License from Sonnet. You may only purchase the Cadence Virtuoso Interface as an add-on to the Sonnet Professional Suite. Please see your system administrator if you are unsure of the availability of this feature.
You should also be aware that the Broadband Spice Model feature is an optional feature. You will need to purchase this feature also if you wish to produce Broadband Spice models in the Cadence Virtuoso Interface.