Differential Pair PyCell
with Row Stacking & Interdigitation

PyCell Description:

This PyCell creates a differential pair with a wide range of options. Users may specify fingers for interdigitation and stack multiple rows of fingers. Additional parameters are available for modifying contact-to-gate spacing, diffusion width, wire width, guard rings and dummies. The connectivity, spacing and contacts conform to the design rules for the process in use.

This PyCell creates connectivity between fingers, but leaves row connectivity to the user for maximum flexibility. The object-oriented architecture of the Ciranova Layout API handles the complex wiring requirements of multiple fingers. Each finger is treated as an object that is connected by passing a numeric sequence as a method to do the actual wiring.

PyCell Plot:

PyCell Parameters:

Results of Different Parameter Values:


Two Fingers Plus Contact Ring
:
Five Fingers Plus Row Stacking:
Stacked rows remain unconnected for routing flexibility

Process Technology:

The PyCell layouts above were generated for a generic 130nm process. This same PyCell source code has been tested to create design rule correct layout for both minimum spacing rules and recommended rules for foundry 65nm and 90nm processes, and for minimum spacing rules at 130nm, 180nm and 250nm.

Source Code:

PyCell name: NmosDiffPair
Source name: DiffPair.py
The complete source code for the PyCell on this page is contained in the IPL Library. A single PyCell source code file generates four library cells for differential pairs, including NMOS and PMOS versions, and normal or high-voltage options. This PyCell is optimized for pitch matching; another PyCell (DiffPair1.py) is also provided that is optimized for symmetrical matching. To download:
  1. Click here for the Ciranova downloads page. The IPL Library is on a link at the top of the page. A quick registration is required.
  2. Click here to learn more about the IPL Library
  3. Click here to see the IPL PyCell Gallery, with many more sample PyCell layouts.