eSim–ORFS Integration for Open-Source Analog and Mixed-Signal IC Design

Note: This project is still in Work in Progress mode. If you want to contribute to this project, please contact us HERE.

Introduction

The integration of the FOSSEE eSim EDA tool with OpenROAD Flow Scripts (ORFS) is designed to create an open-source setting where analog, digital and mixed-signal (AMS) integrated circuit designs can be made.

This initiative lets designers mix circuit-level design and simulation with an automated RTL‑to‑GDSII implementation flow. By joining these abilities the platform offers a more unified way to build modern integrated circuits.

This integration is a goal of the NSF POSE project under ORI and helps build a stronger open‑source ecosystem for semiconductor design.

A Unified Open-Source EDA Framework

The eSim tool gives an all‑in‑one setting for electronic circuit design and simulation. It lets users capture schematics run SPICE‑based simulations do design and carry out verification tasks making it useful for learning, research and open‑source hardware projects.

Adding OpenROAD through OpenROAD Flow Scripts (ORFS) gives eSim an automated digital physical design flow. ORFS lets digital designs move from Register Transfer Level (RTL) descriptions to GDSII layouts using an open‑source method.

The combined framework brings together stages of IC design, including:

• Mixed Signal Design(Analog+Digital) Simulation
• RTL-based design
• Functional verification
• Logic synthesis
• Floorplanning
• Placement and optimization
• Clock-tree synthesis
• Routing
• implementation

This creates one open‑source space that supports making analog, digital and mixed‑signal systems.

Supporting Analog and Mixed-Signal Design

Modern analog and mixed‑signal integrated circuits often have a lot of parts along with the main analog parts.

For example an AMS design may include:

• Digital control logic
• Configuration registers
• Calibration engines
• Bias‑control circuits
• Startup and shutdown logic
• Communication interfaces
• Finite‑state machines
• Digital signal‑processing blocks

analog and digital parts are built in separate tools and workflows. The combo of eSim and ORFS closes that gap by letting designers create analog circuits and their digital subsystems in one world.

Mixed Signal circuits are simulated in eSim while digital pieces simulated in eSim can be built to GDS II with the OpenROAD‑based ORFS flow.

This plan lets people build mixed‑signal systems while each part uses the best methods for its job.

Digital ASIC Implementation

With the ORFS integration users can use an automated open‑source RTL‑to‑GDSII flow for digital ASIC work.

Digital designers can. Test RTL designs before moving through the main physical stages with OpenROAD.

The workflow supports the progression:

RTL → Synthesis → Floorplanning → Placement → Clock‑Tree Synthesis → Routing → GDSII

Adding this path to eSim cuts down the hassle of setting up separate open‑source EDA tools.

The final space can handle both stand‑alone digital ASICs and digital parts that sit inside analog or mixed‑signal designs.

Key Benefits

• Unified Design Environment: The combo puts analog circuit design, simulation, digital design and physical build into one place. This lessens the work of juggling separate tools.
• Support for Complete AMS Systems: Analog designers can make transistor‑level circuits. Add digital helpers such, as controllers, calibration engines, configuration registers and digital links using ORFS.
• Accelerated Mixed‑Signal Development: Having one design space makes it easier to build analog and digital parts together and speeds up design changes and system fit.
• End‑to‑End Digital ASIC Flow: The ORFS combo supplies an open‑source chain that takes digital designs from RTL straight to GDSII.
• Improved Accessibility: The merged platform lowers the effort needed to install set