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Session 4: Layout & Fabrication

Summary:

Layout → Verification (DRC/LVS) → Tape Out → Fabrication → Delivery

In this session we connected the dots between the last three sessions and the layout & fabrication of the integrated circuit chip. We explored analog workflow and digital workflow.

Homework assignments:

  1. Block diagram: Sketch you project’s architecture showing major modules and data flow (e.g., Pocket Synth: button inputs -> tone selector -> oscillator -> PWM output)
  2. Explore a standard cell: Open the sky130 standard cell library in KLayout and find an inverter (sky130_fd_sc_hd__inv_1). Identify metal, poly, and diffusion layers. In the container: klayout /foss/pdks/sky130A/libs.ref/sky130_fd_sc_hd/gds/sky130_fd_sc_hd.gds
  3. Connect the dots: Pick one block from you diagram - what standard cells might implement it? (e.g. “counter” needs flip-flops, “tone selector” needs muxes)

Research

Results