Cell characterization is a process of analyzing a circuit using static and dynamic methods to generate models suitable for chip implementation flows.
Why is cell characterization needed?
No digital chip is possible without cell models. These cell models are produced by cell characterization using commercial softwares like guna. Every digital chip implementation (rtl-to-gdsII) flow requires cell models for analysis (logic simulation, verification, timing, power, noise etc), implementation (synthesis, test insertion, placement, clock tree synthesis, routing) and fixing (engineering change order, rule fixing etc).
How is cell characterization performed?
Cell characterization typically takes cell design extracted as spice circuit and spice technology models. Characterization software like guna from Paripath, analyzes this information to
This entire flow is depicted into the picture shown below
Cell characterization output
Cell characterization produces following outputs, in no particular order
Summary
This article answers main questions on standard cell characterization and model generation. Scope of this topic is VLSI cell/circuits. Please google for solar cell characterization and bio-cell characterization.
This is a guest post by Paripath. Read more on VLSI characterization on Paripath Blog.