CARP Layout Team Tasks

Note

The layout team is focused on memory macros, floorplanning, and synthesis/timing experiments for the CARP Core. Current emphasis is on SRAM/ROM macros and evaluating the 3-stage pipelined multiplier.

1. Memory Macros

  • [ ] SRAM Report Update

    • Research and update the existing sky130_sram_report.pdf using: - OpenLane2 documentation - OpenRAM - VLSIDA sky130_sram_macros repository

  • [ ] Macro Generation

    • Create 128 kB ROM and 64 kB RAM using SKY130 SRAM macros.

    • Use the SKY130 Interleaving-Memory Tool for assembling large memories.

  • [ ] Integration Planning

    • Document how SRAM/ROM macros connect into CARP Core’s memory system.

    • Define floorplan keep-outs and pin placements.

2. Pipelined Multiplier Synthesis

  • [ ] Synthesis Trial

    • Synthesize the 3-stage pipelined multiplier (with barrel shifting per stage).

    • Check for unmapped cells, latch inference, and synthesis warnings.

  • [ ] PPA Analysis

    • Collect max clock frequency (Fmax).

    • Report gate count, area, and power estimates.

  • [ ] Iteration Feedback

    • Provide results to frontend (RTL) team for pipeline depth and optimization choices.

3. Floorplanning & PDN

  • [ ] Floorplanning

    • Define die/core dimensions for CARP Core.

    • Place SRAM/ROM macros, IO pads, and clock sources.

    • Document floorplan strategy (aspect ratio, utilization, keep-outs).

  • [ ] Power Distribution Networks (PDN)

    • Research PDN strategies and config options in OpenLane2.

    • Create documentation on PDN setup in config files.

    • Plan initial PDN for CARP Core floorplan.

4. Routing & Timing

  • [ ] Placement

    • Run initial placement in OpenROAD.

    • Identify congestion hot spots.

  • [ ] Clock Tree

    • Experiment with clock tree synthesis for pipeline core.

    • Document skew targets and buffer strategy.

  • [ ] Routing & STA

    • Perform global/detailed routing for test modules (multiplier, SRAM blocks).

    • Run STA at target frequency and collect slack histograms.

5. Documentation

  • [ ] Layout Handbook

    • Maintain a step-by-step guide for layout tasks.

    • Include: - Memory macro usage - PDN configs - Multiplier synthesis results - Floorplanning strategies

    • Archive reports and logs in repo for continuity.