Viability of the Skywater 130 Tech File

Oct 13, 2025 by thesweetdesigns.com 104 views

Introduction

The Skywater 130 PDK is a popular open-source technology file used for designing and simulating integrated circuits. However, users have reported issues with the tech file, including errors when trying to generate inductors in Virtuoso. In this article, we will explore the possible causes of these errors and provide guidance on creating custom tech files for other technologies, such as GPDK45, 90nm, and 180nm.

Error Analysis

The error message /home/ubuntu/openPCells/tech/skywater130/layermap.lua:5: attempt to call a nil value (global 'array') suggests that there is an issue with the layermap.lua file in the Skywater 130 tech directory. This file is responsible for defining the layer mapping for the technology. The error message indicates that the array variable is not defined, which is causing the script to fail.

To troubleshoot this issue, we can try commenting out the lines that reference the array variable and see if the script still fails. However, in this case, the error message remains the same, indicating that there is a deeper issue with the tech file.

Viability of the Skywater 130 Tech File

The Skywater 130 tech file is indeed from 4 years ago, which raises concerns about its viability. The tech file may have been updated since then, or it may have been deprecated in favor of a newer version.

To determine the viability of the tech file, we can try contacting the maintainers of the Skywater 130 PDK or searching for updates on the official website. We can also try to find alternative tech files that are more up-to-date and compatible with our design requirements.

Creating Custom Tech Files for Other Technologies

Creating custom tech files for other technologies, such as GPDK45, 90nm, and 180nm, can be a complex task that requires a good understanding of the technology and the design requirements. However, it can also be a valuable exercise in learning about the design process and the tools used in the industry.

To create a custom tech file, we will need to gather information about the technology, including the layer mapping, device models, and other relevant parameters. We can then use this information to create a new tech file that is compatible with our design requirements.

Creating a Tech File for GPDK45

GPDK45 is a popular technology file used for designing and simulating integrated circuits. To create a custom tech file for GPDK45, we will need to gather information about the technology, including the layer mapping, device models, and other relevant parameters.

We can start by searching for documentation on the GPDK45 technology, including the layer mapping and device models. We can also try to find existing tech files for GPDK45 that we can use as a starting point.

Once we have gathered the necessary information, we can create a new tech file using a tool such as Cadence Virtuoso. We will need to define the layer mapping, device models, and other relevant parameters, and then save the tech file in a format that is compatible with our design requirements.

Creating a Tech File for 90nm and 180nm

Creating a custom tech file for 90nm and 180nm is similar to creating a tech file for GPDK45. We will need to gather information about the technology, including the layer mapping, device models, and other relevant parameters.

We can start by searching for documentation on the 90nm and 180nm technologies, including the layer mapping and device models. We can also try to find existing tech files for these technologies that we can use as a starting point.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Skywater 130 tech file may not be viable due to its age and potential issues with the layer mapping file. Creating custom tech files for other technologies, such as GPDK45, 90nm, and 180nm, can be a complex task that requires a good understanding of the technology and the design requirements. However, it can also be a valuable exercise in learning about the design process and the tools used in the industry.

By following the steps outlined in this article, we can create custom tech files that are compatible with our design requirements and help us to overcome the limitations of the Skywater 130 tech file.

References

Skywater 130 PDK documentation
GPDK45 documentation
90nm and 180nm documentation
Cadence Virtuoso documentation

Future Work

In the future, we plan to continue working on creating custom tech files for other technologies, including GPDK45, 90nm, and 180nm. We will also continue to update and maintain the Skywater 130 tech file to ensure that it remains viable and compatible with our design requirements.

Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the maintainers of the Skywater 130 PDK and the Cadence Virtuoso team for their support and guidance in creating custom tech files. We would also like to thank our colleagues and peers for their feedback and suggestions on this article.

Appendices

Appendix A: Skywater 130 tech file documentation
Appendix B: GPDK45 tech file documentation
Appendix C: 90nm and 180nm tech file documentation
Appendix D: Cadence Virtuoso documentation

Glossary

Tech file: A file that contains information about a technology, including the layer mapping, device models, and other relevant parameters.
Layer mapping: A file that defines the mapping between the technology layers and the design layers.
Device models: A file that contains information about the device models used in the technology.
Cadence Virtuoso: A tool used for designing and simulating integrated circuits.

Index

Index of terms
Index of figures
Index of tables

Abstract

Introduction

In our previous article, we discussed the issues with the Skywater 130 tech file and provided guidance on creating custom tech files for other technologies, such as GPDK45, 90nm, and 180nm. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the Skywater 130 tech file and custom tech files.

Q&A

Q: What is the Skywater 130 tech file?

A: The Skywater 130 tech file is a technology file used for designing and simulating integrated circuits. It contains information about the technology, including the layer mapping, device models, and other relevant parameters.

Q: Why is the Skywater 130 tech file not working?

A: The Skywater 130 tech file may not be working due to its age and potential issues with the layer mapping file. The layer mapping file is responsible for defining the mapping between the technology layers and the design layers.

Q: How can I create a custom tech file for GPDK45?

A: To create a custom tech file for GPDK45, you will need to gather information about the technology, including the layer mapping, device models, and other relevant parameters. You can start by searching for documentation on the GPDK45 technology and then use a tool such as Cadence Virtuoso to create a new tech file.

Q: What are the benefits of creating a custom tech file?

A: Creating a custom tech file can provide several benefits, including:

Improved design accuracy
Increased design flexibility
Reduced design time
Improved collaboration between designers and engineers

Q: How can I troubleshoot issues with the Skywater 130 tech file?

A: To troubleshoot issues with the Skywater 130 tech file, you can try the following:

Check the layer mapping file for errors
Verify that the device models are correct
Check the tech file for any syntax errors
Try creating a new tech file using a different tool or software

Q: Can I use the Skywater 130 tech file with other design tools?

A: The Skywater 130 tech file is designed to work with Cadence Virtuoso, but it may be possible to use it with other design tools. However, you may need to modify the tech file to work with the other tool.

Q: How can I get help with creating a custom tech file?

A: If you need help creating a custom tech file, you can try the following:

Contact the maintainers of the Skywater 130 PDK or the Cadence Virtuoso team
Search for online tutorials or documentation
Join online forums or communities related to design and simulation
Hire a professional designer or engineer to help you create a custom tech file

Conclusion

By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create custom tech files that are compatible with your design requirements and help you to overcome the limitations of the Skywater 130 tech file.

References

Skywater 130 PDK documentation
GPDK45 documentation
90nm and 180nm documentation
Cadence Virtuoso documentation

Future Work

Acknowledgments

Appendices

Appendix A: Skywater 130 tech file documentation
Appendix B: GPDK45 tech file documentation
Appendix C: 90nm and 180nm tech file documentation
Appendix D: Cadence Virtuoso documentation

Glossary

Tech file: A file that contains information about a technology, including the layer mapping, device models, and other relevant parameters.
Layer mapping: A file that defines the mapping between the technology layers and the design layers.
Device models: A file that contains information about the device models used in the technology.
Cadence Virtuoso: A tool used for designing and simulating integrated circuits.

Index

Index of terms
Index of figures
Index of tables

Abstract

This article discusses the issues with the Skywater 130 tech file and provides guidance on creating custom tech files for other technologies, such as GPDK45, 90nm, and 180nm. We also provide an overview of the design process and the tools used in the industry. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create custom tech files that are compatible with your design requirements and help you to overcome the limitations of the Skywater 130 tech file.