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TRK-04Back-End

Physical Design & Static Timing Analysis

Transform synthesized netlists into tape-out-ready GDSII layouts.

10 Weeks Intermediate to Advanced

Overview

A hands-on track that takes you through the complete physical design flow — floorplanning, placement, clock tree synthesis, routing, and sign-off. Students work with real industrial netlists to close timing, power, and area targets, ending with a DRC/LVS-clean GDSII.

What You'll Learn

  • Define floorplans, power grids, and placement blockages
  • Build balanced clock trees with minimal skew and insertion delay
  • Perform detailed routing and fix DRC violations
  • Run STA and close setup/hold timing across all corners
  • Deliver a DRC/LVS-clean GDSII as capstone

Prerequisites

  • Understanding of CMOS transistor operation
  • Basic knowledge of RTL-to-GDSII flow
  • Familiarity with TCL scripting

Tools You'll Use

Synopsys ICC2 / Fusion CompilerCadence InnovusPrimeTime / Tempus for STACalibre / IC Validator for DRC/LVSStarRC / Quantus for extraction

Module-wise Curriculum

  • Die size estimation and aspect ratio
  • Macro placement and pin assignment
  • Power grid design and IR drop analysis
  • Placement blockages and keep-out regions

Ready to start learning?

Join the next cohort of Physical Design & Static Timing Analysis. Limited seats per batch to ensure quality mentorship.