In this paper, we report the development of a full-chip, three-dimensional, shapes-based, resistence-inductance-capacitance extraction tool, which was developed as part of a university-industry collaboration. The technique of return-limited inductances is used to provide a sparse, frequency-independent inductance and resistance network with self-inductances that represent sensible "nominal" values in the absence of mutual coupling. Mutual inductances are extracted for accurate crosstalk analysis. The tool exploits high-capacity scan-band techniques and disk caching. Accuracy is validated by comparison with full-wave finite-element field solvers.

Full-wave analysis, based on rigorous solution of the differential or integral form of Maxwell's equations, is too slow for all but the smallest designs. Traditional on-chip extraction engines are, therefore, being pushed to extract inductance and provide accurate high-frequency interconnect modelling while maintaining computational efficiency and capacity. This paper describes further accuracy-improving enhancements to the commecial full-chip RLCK extraction engine, Assura RLCX[1], based on the return-limited inductance formulation. Specifically, we incorporate substrate losses due to eddy currents and power-ground losses while, based on design-driven assumptions, avoiding explicit extraction of the power-ground and substrate. Results are validated on small testcases where comparison with full-wave solution is practical.

In this paper, we report the development of the first commercial full-chip, three-dimensional, shapes-based, RLCK extraction tool, developed as part of a university-industry collaboration. The technique of return-limited inductances is used to provide a sparse, frequency-independent inductance and resistance network with self-inductances that represent sensible "nominal" values in the absence of mutual coupling. Mutual inductances are extracted for accurate noise analysis. The tool, Assura RLCX, exploits high-capacity scan-band techniques and disk caching for inductance extraction as an extension to Cadence's existing Assura RCX extractor.