Enhancing PDK Device Library Analysis with XDIRCELL: A Cell-Level Comparison

This paper presents a Unix shell script designed to automate the comparison of cell libraries between different Process Design Kits (PDKs) in a CADENCE® environment. The script streamlines the process by checking input paths, extracting relevant data, and creating a structured output directory. It includes functionality to decrypt SKILL files and OpenAccess files. The utility leverages a graphical ‘smartdiff’ tool for a clear visual comparison and offers batch mode capabilities, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of PDK management in IC design workflows. The script concludes with an optional cleanup feature, ensuring a tidy workspace post-comparison. This tool optimizes the benefits of automation in the EDA sector by facilitating a more efficient and error resistant PDK cell comparison process with decrypted files. This tool aims to minimize the manual efforts by generating the output in approx. a minute. This script is developed for the use of pdk developers, but it can be further extended to layout and schematic designers for basic xor comparison in the designs.