SKY130 Basics - Using Xschem

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the basics of using Xschem, a powerful schematic editor for creating electronic circuits, specifically in the context of managing the SKY130 process. This guide is perfect for beginners looking to familiarize themselves with the software and its functionalities.

Step 1: Setting Up Xschem

• Download and install Xschem from the official repository.
• Open Xschem and create a new project:
  • Navigate to File and select New Project.
  • Choose a suitable directory and name your project.

Step 2: Understanding the Interface

• Familiarize yourself with the main components of the Xschem interface:
  • Toolbar: Contains tools for creating and modifying elements.
  • Library Browser: Access various components and symbols relevant to your circuit design.
  • Schematic Area: The main workspace where you will be placing components and wiring them together.

Step 3: Creating a New Schematic

• Start a new schematic:
  • Click on File and select New Schematic.
• Save your schematic:
  • Use File > Save As to save your work regularly.

Step 4: Adding Components

• Open the library browser:
  • Click on the Library button to view available components.
• Search for components:
  • Use the search bar to find specific components, such as resistors or transistors.
• Add components to your schematic:
  • Drag and drop components from the library into the schematic area.

Step 5: Wiring Components

• Select the wire tool from the toolbar.
• Click on the terminals of the components you wish to connect:
  • Ensure that you create clear connections with no overlaps.
• Double-check connections for accuracy:
  • Use the zoom function to inspect your schematic closely.

Step 6: Running Simulations

• Prepare your schematic for simulation:
  • Ensure all components are correctly connected.
• Set simulation parameters:
  • Go to Simulate > Set Parameters and adjust settings as needed.
• Run the simulation:
  • Click on the Simulate button and observe the results.

Step 7: Saving and Exporting Your Work

• Save your schematic:
  • Regularly save your work using File > Save.
• Export your schematic:
  • Use File > Export to create a PDF or image file of your schematic for sharing or printing.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you learned how to set up Xschem, navigate its interface, create schematics, add components, wire them together, run simulations, and save/export your work. The next steps involve exploring more advanced features of Xschem and experimenting with different circuit designs to enhance your skills. Happy designing!