ARM–Magma Reference Methodology

Comprehensive and Broad-based RTL-to-GDS Solution

Built through technical collaboration between ARM and Magma Design Automation, the ARM-Magma Reference Methodology is a comprehensive and broad-based RTL-to-GDS solution for ARM licensees that desire very low risk and a complete hardening of their chosen soft core. The ARM-Magma Reference Methodology represents a part of Magma’s Automated Chip Creation, a methodology for IC implementation that improves engineering productivity.

The ARM-Magma Reference Methodology is portable and extendable, yet is easily adaptable by customizing it to meet specific System-on-Chip (SoC) implementation requirements. By following the methodology, the licensee will become familiar with best practices that are robust and able to deliver a finished hardened macro for re-use in a hierarchical SoC design.

Significant leakage power reduction is achieved through an integrated implementation flow using multiple threshold voltage (multi-Vt) cells, without sacrificing high performance in multi-million cell SoC designs with embedded processors. Embedded, sign-off accuracy for extraction, delay, crosstalk noise, crosstalk delay and timing eliminates post-layout analysis and repair iterations. The reference flow simultaneously addresses signal and power integrity and on-chip variation (OCV) inclusion in a correct-by-construction approach, ensuring faster turnaround times. Standard format outputs allow for quick and easy verification of an implementation.

Embodying the integrated Magma RTL-to-GDS design flow are single executable, common analysis engines and a unified data model that enhance productivity, provide ease of use, eliminate unnecessary file transfers and ensure continuous correlation to final implementation. The Magma tools used in this flow include Blast Create, Blast Plan Pro, Blast Fusion, Blast Power and Blast Rail.

The ARM-Magma Reference Methodology is available for licensees of ARM processor cores. Please contact your ARM representative.