What does the IPL alliance entail?
All IPL members agree to synchronize on a version of the OpenAccess database and an IPL mechanism to develop and demonstrate PCell interoperability.  The proof-of-concept library is the first milestone of this collaboration.

What are the benefits of an IPL?
IPL:

• Enables a single PCell library to support any OpenAccess tool
• Reduces PCell development and support costs
• Creates choices in building your analog layout flow 

What are the contents of the proof-of-concept IPL?

• A high quality OpenAccess PCell library object code with many standard and complex functions bound to a generic 0.13um process
• Source code of the PCell library
• Ciranova PyCell Studio™ with a generic 0.13um technology file

These are free download from the download: http://www.iplnow.com/download.php

Who has validated that the 5 founding members’ tools will all support the IPL?
We have developed an OpenAccess testing ecosystem. The ecosystem includes tools and test cases from the participating vendors. The validation is done by loading a PCell library into this ecosystem and exercising the various design tools. As a final check, the PCell-loaded test cases are streamed out to GDSII and design rule checked with Mentor Calibre nmDRC®. In addition, each vendor has individually tested the IPL mechanism with their own tools.

What are the next steps for the IPL alliance?
Member companies will continue to work together to validate interoperability and synchronize on OpenAccess versions. We will also expand the capabilities and add more advanced features to the IPL and the IPL mechanism.

Doesn’t a PCell Library need to be tied to a particular technology file?
Yes. We have jointly developed a high quality proof-of-concept library with a generic 0.13um process. The purpose of this proof-of-concept library is to create confidence that the IPL mechanism works, and to provide a starting point for other companies to start building other interoperable libraries.

What is the IPL mechanism?
The IPL mechanism is the whole infrastructure for developing and enabling interoperable PCell.  The IPL group has decided to use Ciranova’s PyCell Studio for this mechanism.

Will the IPLs work with the Cadence environment?
Although Cadence has not yet chosen to join the IPL group, members have tested the proof-of-concept library with Cadence Virtuoso 6.1®.

Can anyone develop PCells using the IPL mechanism?
Yes. Anyone can freely download everything needed from www.IPLnow.com and develop additional PCells or modify existing ones.

How do I ensure my internal propriety tools work with the IPL mechanism?
Tools that support the latest OpenAccess specifications will work with IPLs.

Can companies outside of EDA join?
Yes, any company that has the same interest and commitment is welcome to participate.

How do other companies join this effort?
Logon to www.IPLnow.com to join the IPL alliance and have an influence on its direction.

Who can I contact about the IPL collaboration?
Inquiries regarding the IPL collaboration may be directed to the following individuals:

Applied Wave Research (AWR)
Duncan Widman, PDK Developer
(562) 712-3377
duncan@appwave.com

Ciranova
Michael Ma, VP Business Development
(408) 553-6084
michael@ciranova.com

Silicon Canvas
Richard Morse, Director of Marketing
(408) 321-0888 X106
rmorse@sicanvas.com

Silicon Navigator
George Janac, CEO
(408) 200-0280
george@sinavigator.com

Synopsys
Ed Lechner, Director Marketing
(650) 584-5382
elechner@synopsys.com