This is a simple 8-bit DAC demonstrating the use of the CACE system. It requires CACE to run the testbenches.
Make sure to clone the repository with submodules:
git clone https://github.com/RTimothyEdwards/sky130_ef_ip__rdac3v_8bit.git --recurse-submodules
If you forgot to clone with submodules, you can run the following instead:
git submodule update --init --recursive
Schematics for this DAC are done in xschem and can be found in the xschem/ directory. Layouts for this RDAC are done in magic and can be found in the mag/ directory.
The CACE specification is in cace/sky130_ef_ip__rdac3v_8bit.yaml. Testbench schematics are in the cace/templates/ directory. Note that testbenches are editable in xschem, and netlists can be generated, but netlists contain variables that must be substituted by CACE and cannot simulate prior to variable substitution by CACE.
After you have installed CACE and all dependencies, invoking the characterization of this project is as easy as running:
caceThis will use the "best" netlist available. Since a layout is provided, the netlist source will be "rcx" (R-C-extracted). To perform characterization on a different netlist, pass the --source argument to cace. For help on arguments, run cace --help.
After characterization is completed, you will find the simulation files, log files and reports under run/TIMESTAMP/, where TIMESTAMP is the time and date when cace was started.
This project also demonstrates how CACE can be used for continuous integration. Under .github/workflows/ you will find the cace.yml GitHub action. It makes use of the composite action cace-action.
First, the environment is set up and CACE is started. Then the run/ directory is uploaded so that it can be viewed later. Finally, the summary is added to the step overview.
Take a look at the latest runs under actions. If you are logged in to GitHub, you can also click on a run and view the summary.