CAREER: VLSI System-Level Full-Wave Simulation and Design Optimization

University Of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison WI

Investigators

Abstract

This research explores full-wave simulation techniques to facilitate the application of such tools to high-performance VLSI system design. It also investigates new design methodologies for system-level power delivery structures and on-chip interconnects for next-generation VLSI design. Computational work builds on an advanced full-wave simulation method: finite-difference time-domain (FDTD). The research focuses on 1) full-wave simulation algorithms to enable VLSI system-level full-wave simulation, 2) effective use of the full-wave simulation engine to investigate power fluctuation and signal integrity issues for VLSI interconnects, 3) exploration of time-of-flight effects, frequency-dependent behavior, and electrical and magnetic cross-coupling at the chip level, 4) investigation of power dip/ground bounce for the purpose of identifying design blocks that are vulnerable to power fluctuations, 5) evaluation of the impact of decoupling capacitors on power delivery.