Product Overview

DesignerSI is comprised of flexible, easy-to-use schematic capture, layout editing, and sophisticated data visualization tools that are powered by the Nexxim high-capacity circuit engine. Users also can elect the Synopsys HSPICE Solver on Demand option. This option allows users to incorporate encrypted HSPICE models within their simulations. The powerful design management features allow DesignerSI to manage various solver technologies and import ECAD data from popular layout tools such as Cadence®, Mentor Graphics®, Zuken and Altium along with ODB++ manufacturing databases. These features allow users to combine S-parameters, W-elements, HSPICE®, Spectre® and IBIS models directly as schematic components allowing them to seamlessly integrate with behavioral, circuit and GHz-accurate interconnect models in a unified schematic desktop.

Statistical analysis and transient simulation capabilities.

• VerifEye™, a new methodology for eye analysis of serial links using statistical methods that maintains accuracy while offering major reductions in run time compared to conventional transient methods. This statistical analysis tool represents the most practicable means to test for the low bit-error rates needed by today's multi-Gb/s channel designers.

• QuickEye™, a fast convolution analysis that simulates millions of user defined bits in a matter of seconds using linear superposition. Using the Peak Distortion Analysis option QuickEye automatically determines the worst case bit pattern for the design engineer by identifying the channel specific bit pattern that causes maximum channel degradation.

• IBIS-AMI, a fast analysis similar to QuickEye VerifEye analysis that allows users to incorporate channel equalization with compiled vendor libraries. As with VerifEye and QuickEye, IBIS-AMI (Advanced Model Interconnect) simulations include transmit jitter, receiver jitter and DCD.

• Network Data Explorer utility for quickly and easily analyzing S/Y/Z parameters. This includes passivity checking and mixed mode analyses. The data may be viewed in Re/Im, Mag/Phase, and dB/Phase. In addition, a colored map of all ports represents the average magnitude/phase over all frequencies or at a particular frequency point. Multiple Touchstone files can be viewed simultaneously while cell filtering allows users to quickly analyze insertion and return loss. Furthermore, parametric design variations from HFSS and PlanarEM can be plotted simultaneously using the Ansoft neutral model format (.nmf).

• Transient circuit simulation using frequency-domain S-parameters provides advantages in speed and capacity over other circuit simulators on the market. Enforcement of passivity and causality by the Nexxim engine in the time domain accurately models physical behavior of the complex interconnects found in advanced signal integrity applications.

Functionality Comparison