SpringSoft, Inc., a global supplier of specialized IC design software, today announced the availability of the latest version of its Laker™ Advanced Design Platform (ADP) design entry tool, completing its front-to-back custom IC layout flow based on the OpenAccess (OA) standard. The new software release also includes a host of productivity-enhancing features and improvements for design entry, analysis and navigation.

The Laker ADP tool set is an integrated system that includes a full-featured schematic entry tool, an open simulation console for managing interfaces to third-party simulation tools, and an interactive waveform analyzer. Laker ADP gives designers an efficient entry point to drive the Laker Custom Layout Automation System, accurately linking design intent and critical constraints in a production-proven schematic-driven (SDL) flow. Now, with OA support, users can more easily move between the Laker ADP and layout environments, providing a streamlined path to the automation benefits of the Laker custom layout platform and creating the industry’s most robust OA-compatible IC design flow.

With OA implementation in Laker ADP, the entire Laker tool flow from design through layout now supports the Interoperable PDK Libraries (IPL) Alliance standard 1.0, including iCDF, callbacks and PyCells, providing compatibility with interoperable process design kits (iPDKs) from leading foundries. OA support in Laker ADP also allows easy integration of third-party tools within system through the OA API.

In addition to OA support, the new Laker ADP release improves existing functionality and adds time-saving features that facilitate better integration with third-party tools and more in-depth design analysis of complex designs. These include an enhanced open simulation console for more efficient interaction with popular analog simulators, allowing designers to specify simulation parameters and execute simulation runs without leaving the Laker ADP environment. Enhancements to the schematic editor include multi-sheet support, infix mode editing, on-screen parameter editing, auto-completion of wiring, and dynamic net highlighting.