PDK（工艺设计套件）简介

The process design kit (PDK) is an important resource in integrated circuit (IC) design and manufacturing, and serves as a bridge between IC design companies, semiconductor foundries, and electronic design automation (EDA) tool providers. It contains basic components, models, and rules that reflect the manufacturing process, ensuring that the design is accurate and manufacturable.

The PDK standardizes the design process, improving consistency and reliability. It includes design rule files with geometric constraints, electrical rule files for circuit functionality, and SPICE simulation models for accurate device behavior simulation. The layout hierarchy definition file organizes complex designs, while the device layout provides the physical representation necessary for simulation and manufacturing. Customization parameters tailored for specific manufacturing processes are also included.

The key components explained for beginners include the device model (blueprint of component behavior), symbols and views (schematic representation), component description format (CDF) files (device property descriptions), parameterized cells (Pcells) for customizable component templates, technology files (mapping design data to process layers), and physical verification rules (PVRule files) to ensure layout compliance.

PDKs streamline the design process by enabling accurate simulation, efficient layout creation, and thorough verification. Historically led by Cadence's Virtuoso, other EDA vendors have developed their own PDK solutions, spurring innovation and expanding design capabilities.

PDK is indispensable in IC design, providing standardized rules, models, and parameters to transform designs into manufacturable products. As technology advances and ICs become more complex and powerful, understanding PDK components and their uses is critical for designers, especially beginners.