Introduction

This tutorial teaches you the basics of performing a translation of a GDSII file into a Sonnet project, using a template project. For a more detailed discussion of the GDSII translator, please see GDSII Translator; you may find it helpful to review this chapter before performing this tutorial. This tutorial assumes a working knowledge of Sonnet’s project editor.

This tutorial uses a center-tapped differential spiral inductor. The example is available in the example browser under the name “GDSII_trans.” This example contains five files, four of which are used during the tutorial:

•    CT_spiral.gds - This is the input file for the translation.
•    CT_spiral_dielectrics.son - This is a partial template file containing only the dielectric stackup so you do not need to manually enter all of the dielectric layers.
•    CT_spiral_tech_layers.son - This is a partial template file which contains all of the metal types and Technology Layers in addition to the dielectric stackup so you do not need to manually enter all of the Technology Layers.
•    CT_spiral_final_template.son - The complete template file. This file is included in case you wish to skip creating your own template file.
•    CT_spiral_analyzed.son - This is the complete project including all of the analysis data. This project is included so that you do not have to wait for the analysis to run while performing the tutorial.

This tutorial covers the following:

•    Obtaining a Sonnet example file
•    Creating a template file to control the import
•    Importing a GDSII file
•    Editing after the import
•    Setting up and running an analysis