MIX-SYN A Framework for Fast-tracking Analogue and Mixed-Signals Design

Modern integrated circuits rely significantly on digital cores communicating with the real world using analogue and mixed-signals interfaces. High-speed serial communi- cations is a prime example where non-digital components play a crucial role in its predominantly digital functionality. Shortening time-to-market and shrinking process technologies have resulted in greater demand for fast design of mixed-signals systems. Digital components of these systems are easy to abstract and supported by established computer-aided-design (CAD) and electronic design automation (EDA) tools. This is in stark contrast to the analogue and mixed-signals components that are mostly designed using manual, time-consuming, and error-prone techniques. This thesis presents the MIX-SYN (MIXed-signals SYNthesis) Framework as a solution for improving analogue and mixed-signals design. Through examining current design processes and their fallacies, the top-down design methodology is reasoned as the path towards 'first pass success' for designers. The MIX-SYN Framework provides a unified system, behavioural, and transistor level simulation environment to bridge the existing discontinuity of design transfer between levels of abstractions. Designers can then fully realize the benefits of a proper top-down methodology with fast-tracking of design exploration and the facilitation design re-use