In a previous post, I explained the release model used for Virtuoso ADE and ViVA and listed some of the new features that were available in Virtuoso ADE XL in 616 ISR3. Here are more new features that are now available in Virtuoso ADE XL in the recently released ISR6.
- Notes can be added to tests, variables, corners, parameters, and histories. This allows you to document information about important items in your setup or make notes about a particular history to document simulation conditions, results, or other key information.
- Comma separated value (CSV) files can now be used to import and export corners setup. This improves the use model for managing corner setups in external editors. Prior to this enhancement, import/export required the use of more complicated XML format from the Virtuoso ADE XL setup database (SDB).
- Ability to cancel selected tests and corner points. Previously, stopping a run canceled all running and pending simulations. The new feature allows you to selectively cancel individual simulation for a particular corner or test. Remaining tests and corners will continue to be run.
- Creation of K-sigma corners from limited Monte Carlo samples. The new algorithm estimates the Probability Density Function and computes the corner specification value based on that PDF. A statistical corner that matches the target specification value is then created. This is an improvement over previous methods for creating statistical corners with a particular standard deviation as they required a large number of Monte Carlo points to achieve accurate results.
- Ability to filter evaluation and simulations errors from yield estimate in Monte Carlo simulations
- Wild card selection is now supported in the Annotation Setup form
- Value-based statistical corner creation from Monte Carlo simulation is available. This allows the distribution point to be maintained with minor changes to the design such as addition of new device instances. Prior to this, any changes to the design which impacted connectivity would invalidate the statistical corner.
What new feature are you most excited to see? Are there other features that you would like to have to make your job easier? Do you have questions about Virtuoso ADE XL or other Virtuoso products? Leave a comment below and I will try to address them in future blog posts.
Tom Volden