Tom Dagostino
-----Original Message-----
From: Roy Leventhal [SMTP:[email protected]]
Sent: Friday, July 16, 1999 6:36 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: RE: [SI-LIST] : response to semiconductor I/O edge rates
Tom,
The simple answer is that this is a big, proprietary development ASIC. The
designer never had any intention that it should have such a fast edge
rate. As
a matter of prudent checking he had me check the signal integrity once we
got
the IBIS model and partially routed board. That's when we discovered that
the
edge rate was so fast. The semiconductor house had never given us a
heads-up
that the edge rate was likely to be so fast. Or so I understand it. Now the
semi
house is telling us they can't do anything about it.
It is possible that the circuit designer knew about the edge rate earlier
than I
think and was hoping that some simulation or layout/routing magic pixy dust
would be sprinkled on his circuit. I don't think I'll ever know the answer
to
that. I do see wishful thinking about avoiding a conservative (expensive)
approach to design. Speeds are becoming such that those hopes are rarely
fulfilled anymore. Even reasonable engineering judgement isn't that great a
guide anymore and we are contemplating making whole-board simulations part
of
our design process.
The common approach to design is to avoid the unpleasant (in this case no
room
for termination networks or time for a new supplier) and end up with
problems at
the back end of a design where cost factors are multiplied by 10 to 1000
(or
even more) to fix. Once again, I don't know if this was a factor.
What I have learned is this: Simulation as a board is being routed is too
late
to find such problems. At that point they directly affect layout, schedules
and
the viability of the project. At that point simulation should just be a
(virtual) verification check of previous good design choices. Per D.C.
Sessions'
suggestion, simulation at the timing/topology choice stage with feedback to
supplier of a user modified/developed behavioral model to see if can be
done,
is much timelier.
Best Regards,
Roy
**** To unsubscribe from si-list: send e-mail to
[email protected]. In the BODY of message put: UNSUBSCRIBE
si-list, for more help, put HELP. si-list archives are accessible at
http://www.qsl.net/wb6tpu/si-list ****
**** To unsubscribe from si-list: send e-mail to [email protected]. In the BODY of message put: UNSUBSCRIBE si-list, for more help, put HELP. si-list archives are accessible at http://www.qsl.net/wb6tpu/si-list ****