A VLSI Design Framework with Freeware CAD Tools

Abstract

This work presents a PC-based freeware CAD environment to design and tape out VLSI microelectronic circuits, starting from schematic capture all the way to a foundry compatible GDS II database. These free tools will help more Malaysian universities to set up low cost VLSI CAD laboratories and tape out circuits using Silterra's University Program. This will help grow local IC design culture and skills. FreeVLSI uses common freeware CAD tools: 5SPICE, LASI, and WinSPICE, and some custom scripts to interface between these tools. Currently FreeVLSI is able to cater to full custom design flow from schematic capture to circuit layout.