This paper presents the use of Standard Delay Format (SDF) files for the Mentor Graphics gate-level digital simulator QuickSim II. SDF enables timing data created by tools, such as timing calculators, to be stored and represented in a tool independent manner. As access to timing information in a design is critical in all stages of the design process, the ability to read and interpret SDF information is a very crucial capability for EDA tools. For example, analysis tools such as simulators use SDF files for back annotation of timing information generated by layout tools.

In this paper, we start by giving a brief description of SDF and the advantages it brings to design flows. We also mention the fundamentals of SDF usage. Then, we specifically focus on the process of bringing SDF files into QuickSim II and the mapping of SDF constructs to designs and timing models created within the Mentor Graphics design environment. We further elaborate on the functionality of Quicksim II's SDF annotator, describing the close relationship between SDF files and technology files used in the simulator with emphasis on optimizing technology files for SDF. Finally, we summarize the advantages and limitations associated with using SDF in QuickSim II.

Bio:
Mark Whitley is the QuickSim II project and technical lead. He has been a software developer at Mentor Graphics for 12 years. His area of expertise includes simulation kernel and timing algorithms. For the past four years he has focused on QuickSim II and other simulation products. Prior to his work with QuickSim II, he was technical lead for hardware modelling products (HML and LM modellers).

Nilgun Mat is a software development engineer at Mentor Graphics. She has worked on the QuickSim II project for the last four years. Prior to working on Quicksim II she worked on the IC simulator Lsim. Her current areas of responsibility include SDF, modelling techniques for QuickSim II and AMP language compilers. Nilgun's formal educational background focuses on computer languages and compilers.