Abstract:

The goal of this project is to use the Cadence Virtuoso tool set to develop and evaluate a CMOS
inverter configuration. The main goal is to design a precise and efficient CMOS inverter
configuration that guarantees correct connection and operation. To finish the design, the process
entails starting the Virtuoso Layout XL tool, creating layout components from the schematic
source, and routing. This exercise emphasizes the significance of accurate layout development in
contemporary integrated circuit design while offering practical experience with industry-standard
VLSI design tools.

Introduction:
The design and optimization of fundamental circuit components are essential to the creation of
sophisticated integrated circuits in the quickly emerging field of Very Large Scale Integration
(VLSI). grasp the fundamentals of VLSI design requires a grasp of CMOS inverters, which are
essential components of digital logic circuits.

The goal of this project is to gain hands-on experience in designing and evaluating CMOS
layouts, which helps to close the gap between abstract ideas and actual implementations. The
experiment attempts to acquaint students with the complex procedures involved in layout
generation, connection, and routing by leveraging the Cadence Virtuoso tool suite, a top platform
for integrated circuit design.

This experiment's main goal is to precisely design a CMOS inverter architecture and assess its
performance while following accepted design guidelines. This practical method improves
comprehension of layout design, which is a crucial ability for future engineers in the
semiconductor sector.

Theory:
An essential part of digital logic architecture is a CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-
Semiconductor) inverter. It is made up of a p-channel MOSFET (PMOS) and an n-channel
MOSFET (NMOS), two complementary transistors. When the input signal is low (logic 0), these
transistors cooperate to invert it, resulting in a high output (logic 1), and vice versa. The inverter
is a crucial component of contemporary digital circuits because of its architecture, which
guarantees excellent noise immunity and dependable operation.

The NMOS and PMOS transistors' switching behavior is essential to a CMOS inverter's
operation. The PMOS transistor connects the output to the supply voltage (VDD) while the
NMOS transistor stays off when the input voltage is low. A high output voltage is the outcome of
this. In contrast, the NMOS transistor turns ON and the PMOS transistor switches OFF when the
input voltage is high. This results in a low output voltage and connects the output to ground
(GND). Minimal static power dissipation is ensured by this complementing characteristic.

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A CMOS inverter's voltage transfer characteristics (VTC) show a sharp change in logic levels,
which causes a large gain in the transition area. The CMOS inverter is very effective at
maintaining signal integrity in digital circuits because of its abrupt switching characteristic.
Furthermore, CMOS technology's exceptional capacity to draw a sizable current only during
switching events ensures low energy consumption during steady-state operation, which
contributes to its low power consumption.

In this project, the Cadence Virtuoso tool suite is used to create a physical representation of the
circuit as part of the layout design of the CMOS inverter. The PMOS and NMOS transistors
must be positioned and connected, the input, output, power, and ground signals must be routed,
and standard design guidelines must be followed. The successful completion of this layout offers
useful hands-on experience in VLSI circuit design in addition to validating the theoretical
underpinnings of CMOS functioning.

Methodology:
Command for opening virtuoso:

Fig 1: Code for opening Virtuoso

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Schematic Layout:

Fig 2: Schematic Layout of an inverter

Digital Schematic:

Fig 3: Digital Schematic of an inverter

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Layout:

Fig 4: Layout of an inverter

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Stick Diagram:

Fig 5: Stick diagram of an inverter

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Simulations and Results:
Timing Diagram:

Fig 6: Timing Diagram of an inverter

DRS:

Fig 7: DRS of an inverter

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LVS:

Fig 8: LVS of an inverter

Result Analysis:
The experiment's outcomes show that a CMOS inverter layout can be successfully designed and
simulated with the Cadence Virtuoso tool set. Standard design guidelines were followed in the
creation of the pattern to guarantee correct alignment, spacing, and connection. After the layout
was finished, the inverter's performance was assessed using simulation and verification
procedures.

The simulated waveforms show how the CMOS inverter should function. When a low voltage
(logic 0) is applied to the input, the output transitions to a high voltage (logic 1), and when a high
voltage (logic 1) is applied to the input, the output switches to a low voltage (logic 0). This
complementary behavior confirms the expected functionality of the inverter and validates the
accuracy of the layout design.

The high gain in the inverter's transition zone is reflected in the waveforms' abrupt transition
between the input and output signals, which can be seen upon closer inspection. For digital logic
circuits, this feature guarantees strong signal integrity and dependable switching behavior.
Furthermore, correct connection and adherence to design criteria are shown by the output
waveforms' lack of noticeable glitches or signal distortions.

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The experiment emphasizes how crucial careful layout planning is to getting exact circuit
performance. The findings prove the practical comprehension of CMOS inverter concepts and
the ability to use industry-standard VLSI tools by successfully finishing the layout and
confirming its operation through simulations. This practical experience lays the groundwork for
later projects involving more intricate circuit designs.

Conclusion:
The goal of this project was to use the Cadence Virtuoso tool set to develop and evaluate a
CMOS inverter configuration. The layout was successfully produced by using a methodical
process that guaranteed correct alignment, connection, and conformity to accepted design
guidelines. The output of the simulation showed the anticipated complimentary behavior to the
input signal, indicating proper inverter operation. This demonstrated that the layout design was
accurate and that theoretical ideas were successfully applied in a real-world setting.

The design process was successfully finished, and the simulated waveforms confirmed that the
CMOS inverter operated as planned, hence the experiment's goals were totally met. Furthermore,
the experiment improved technical skill and comprehension of layout design concepts by
offering invaluable experience with industry-standard VLSI tools. This achievement highlights
the significance of accuracy in attaining dependable and effective circuit performance and
provides a solid basis for increasingly complex digital circuit design initiatives.

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