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20nm PTM file not working in LTspice


 

I am trying to build 6T SRAM using 20nm but when i run the simulation i am having the errors saying parameter level = 72 and also other bunch of errors.
my 180nm file ran properly but when i tried for 20nm it's not working although i changed W/L ratio from L=0.18 ,W= 0.64 to L= 0.02 to W= 0.3.??
What should i do ?


 

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We can't help much unless you let us see more of what you are doing. Upload your .ASC file AND all the other files required to run the simulation, but not .RAW? and .LOG files or pictures,? in a ZIP archive to Files => Temp.

Go to the web page: /g/LTspice/topics. Click on Files in the list on the left. Then click on Temp. Then click on New Upload in the blue box at top left. Click on Upload File in the drop-down menu. Then send a message to tell us that you did that.

On 2025-04-04 13:59, siddhugoad via groups.io wrote:
I am trying to build 6T SRAM using 20nm but when i run the simulation i am having the errors saying parameter level = 72 and also other bunch of errors.
my 180nm file ran properly but when i tried for 20nm it's not working although i changed W/L ratio from L=0.18 ,W= 0.64 to L= 0.02 to W= 0.3.??
What should i do ?
--
OOO - Own Opinions only If something is true: * as far as we know - it's science *for certain - it's mathematics *unquestionably - it's religion

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How should I upload ?


On Fri, Apr 4, 2025, 6:40 PM John Woodgate via <jmw=[email protected]> wrote:

We can't help much unless you let us see more of what you are doing. Upload your .ASC file AND all the other files required to run the simulation, but not .RAW? and .LOG files or pictures,? in a ZIP archive to Files => Temp.

Go to the web page: /g/LTspice/topics. Click on Files in the list on the left. Then click on Temp. Then click on New Upload in the blue box at top left. Click on Upload File in the drop-down menu. Then send a message to tell us that you did that.

On 2025-04-04 13:59, siddhugoad via wrote:
I am trying to build 6T SRAM using 20nm but when i run the simulation i am having the errors saying parameter level = 72 and also other bunch of errors.
my 180nm file ran properly but when i tried for 20nm it's not working although i changed W/L ratio from L=0.18 ,W= 0.64 to L= 0.02 to W= 0.3.??
What should i do ?
--
OOO - Own Opinions only If something is true: * as far as we know - it's science *for certain - it's mathematics *unquestionably - it's religion

Virus-free.


 

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Read the message! BOLD TYPE

On 2025-04-04 14:25, Say Die. via groups.io wrote:

How should I upload ?


On Fri, Apr 4, 2025, 6:40 PM John Woodgate via <jmw=[email protected]> wrote:

We can't help much unless you let us see more of what you are doing. Upload your .ASC file AND all the other files required to run the simulation, but not .RAW? and .LOG files or pictures,? in a ZIP archive to Files => Temp.

Go to the web page: /g/LTspice/topics. Click on Files in the list on the left. Then click on Temp. Then click on New Upload in the blue box at top left. Click on Upload File in the drop-down menu. Then send a message to tell us that you did that.

On 2025-04-04 13:59, siddhugoad via wrote:
I am trying to build 6T SRAM using 20nm but when i run the simulation i am having the errors saying parameter level = 72 and also other bunch of errors.
my 180nm file ran properly but when i tried for 20nm it's not working although i changed W/L ratio from L=0.18 ,W= 0.64 to L= 0.02 to W= 0.3.??
What should i do ?
--
OOO - Own Opinions only If something is true: * as far as we know - it's science *for certain - it's mathematics *unquestionably - it's religion

Virus-free.
--
OOO - Own Opinions only If something is true: * as far as we know - it's science *for certain - it's mathematics *unquestionably - it's religion


 
Edited

On Fri, Apr 4, 2025 at 09:03 AM, <siddhugoad@...> wrote:
I am trying to build 6T SRAM using 20nm but when i run the simulation i am having the errors saying parameter level = 72 and also other bunch of errors.
LTspice does not support "LEVEL=72" MOSFET models.? If those are the only models you have for your 20 nm devices, then you will need to use another SPICE program with it.? Probably that is HSPICE.
?
LTspice accepts (among others) LEVEL=9, 14, 49, 54, and 73, but not 72.? You can find the LEVEL number by carefully examining the .MODEL statements.
?
If I remember correctly, other users in this group may have used 45 nm and 20 nm models previously with LTspice, so models might exist for your devices that can be used with LTspice.? Even so, caution is called for because some of those model types are very uncommon and there are things that may not work properly, even if you get them working.? In the meantime, abandon any hope of using your LEVEL=72 models with LTspice.? It simply will not work.

my 180nm file ran properly but when i tried for 20nm it's not working although i changed W/L ratio from L=0.18 ,W= 0.64 to L= 0.02 to W= 0.3.??
Those are extraordinary incorrect W and L values!? Who would make a MOSFET that is 0.18 meters by 0.64 meters!? ?Surely those must be incorrect.? Did you forget to add the units?? (Probably missing the "u" unit multiplier.)
?
Now there is a catch to what I just said.? There is a SPICE program that accepts values such as those, because it allows non-MKS units (.OPTIONS SCALM=<val>) - which IMO is a Really Bad Idea.? Anyway, if you have models that were made for that SPICE program, it would be unwise to try to use those models with any SPICE program other than the one they were made for.
?
?
What should i do ?
I? suggest that you consider purchasing that SPICE program and using it for these simulations, and don't try to run them in LTspice nor any other SPICE program besides the one they were made for.? Those models are much too program-specific.? Note it will cost you dearly to buy that program.? That is life.? Maybe your employer already has that program.? Do not consider stealing it or getting a free "hack" of that program (HSPICE).? It is not legal.
?
Andy
?


 

On Fri, Apr 4, 2025 at 09:26 AM, Say Die. wrote:

How should I upload ?

Did you read the advice already given?
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Did you read the guidelines for this group where you asked the question?
?
Please go back to the starting gate and begin again.? Read the instructions first.
?
Andy
?


 

On Fri, Apr 4, 2025 at 09:03 AM, Say Die. wrote:
my 180nm file ran properly but when i tried for 20nm it's not working although i changed W/L ratio from L=0.18 ,W= 0.64 to L= 0.02 to W= 0.3.??
Note that simply scaling the dimensions as you did, does not get you from a 180 nm process to a 20 nm process.
?
There are significant changes necessary in the model (PTM) files themselves.? You should use only the models that were specifically made for your 20 nm FAB process.? Don't try using 180 nm process models to "fake it" for devices scaled down to 20 nm.? Well, I guess you could for your Extremely Preliminary simulations with the wrong process, but do not depend on their simulation results without getting the right process models for your new FAB process.
?
Andy
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I am just a student and half of the things you said went bouncer T-T. My HoD told me to make this project because i attended Semi-conductor training program in SVNIT SURAT. Even he don't know how to build this circuit and he want me to build and i am ready ofc, because i love vlsi and designing, but if i know nothing about it how should i do that. not giving excuses tbh. i def want to learn that's why i came here. i'll try to send the file?
?


 

I have uploaded the file also i have notified you guys.
?


 

On Fri, Apr 4, 2025 at 10:03 AM, Say Die. wrote:
I am just a student and half of the things you said went bouncer T-T. My HoD told me to make this project because i attended Semi-conductor training program in SVNIT SURAT. Even he don't know how to build this circuit and he want me to build and i am ready ofc, because i love vlsi and designing, but if i know nothing about it how should i do that. not giving excuses tbh. i def want to learn that's why i came here. i'll try to send the file?
OK, here is the dumbed-down version of what I wrote:
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Your model files ("PTM" files) will not work in LTspice.
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Don't try.? Get the right model files for 20 nm and for the SPICE simulator you intend to use.? If they are LEVEL=72 models, LTspice is not an appropriate simulator because LTspice does not accept LEVEL=72 models.
?
I understand you might be a newbie who is trying to design and simulate circuits about which you know almost nothing.? So I advise you to learn everything you can about MOS circuit design, process scaling, and circuit simulation.? ?There is much that you need to learn.? Anyone can tell you to "go for it", but that might be bad advice especially if both he and you don't know what you are doing, and could get you into a boatload of trouble.
?
If the only models you have are LEVEL=72 models, use the right program with them (HSPICE) and don't try using LTspice with those models.
?
If the only models you have were made for the older 180 nm process, I urge using EXTREME CAUTION with them in an attempt to represent the 20 nm process.? That is not how CMOS scaling works!? There will be different process (PTM) models for each step along the way from 180 nm down to 20 nm, and the 180 nm process files would be wrong for simulating anything designed and built for 20 nm devices.? Anyone who builds those parts (what we call the "FAB") can get you the right model files for the 20 nm process.? Now maybe that is what they did already.? ?Scaling down from 180 nm to 20 nm requires both changing the sizes of the transistors (which is usually specified on the schematics), and changing the SPICE model files; both steps need to be done.? I want to make sure you understand that.
?
By the way, please go easy on the abbreviations.? Not everyone understands all the acronyms you used.
?
Andy
?
?


 

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There is a special very hot place reserved for supervisors who set students problems that the supervisor doesn't know how to solve.?

You might do better to use LTspice, but work only with the .ASC and models you can find in the group's archives (the folders with names beginning with 'z...' on the Files page), together with advice from Andy and others. Or, if you know, or you supervisor will tell you, which foundry would make the device you design, you can ask the foundry for 20nm models.

We can't help with Hspice or any other version of SPICE.

On 2025-04-04 15:03, Say Die. via groups.io wrote:
I am just a student and half of the things you said went bouncer T-T. My HoD told me to make this project because i attended Semi-conductor training program in SVNIT SURAT. Even he don't know how to build this circuit and he want me to build and i am ready ofc, because i love vlsi and designing, but if i know nothing about it how should i do that. not giving excuses tbh. i def want to learn that's why i came here. i'll try to send the file?
?
--
OOO - Own Opinions only If something is true: * as far as we know - it's science *for certain - it's mathematics *unquestionably - it's religion

Virus-free.


 

On Fri, Apr 4, 2025 at 10:12 AM, Say Die. wrote:
I have uploaded the file also i have notified you guys.
But you did not read and follow what John Woodgate wrote!? Neither did you follow the instructions on the group's main webpage!
?
Shame on you for not even trying.
?
Andy
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Apologies. It's a bad habit of mine not read instructions before acting. What should I do now? About My Project I am not really familiar with HSPICE and the model file is designed for that APP. And I also don't know how to change the level that suits LTspice.
?


 

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Yes, but you uploaded two files instead of a .ZIP, and didn't upload the model files in it. I looked at your 120nm .ASC. I'm not an expert in IC design, but it looks as though it might work. But your.TRAN directive is wrong, although LTspice interprets it sensibly. It should just be .TRAN 120n, unless you also wanted to set a 1ns maximum time-step, in which case it should be .TRAN 120n 1n.

On 2025-04-04 15:12, Say Die. via groups.io wrote:
I have uploaded the file also i have notified you guys.
?
--
OOO - Own Opinions only If something is true: * as far as we know - it's science *for certain - it's mathematics *unquestionably - it's religion

Virus-free.


 

On Fri, Apr 4, 2025 at 10:12 AM, Say Die. wrote:
I have uploaded the file also i have notified you guys.
I will fill in the information you forgot to say.
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The files you uploaded are "FinFETbasedSRAM - 20nm.asc" and "FinFETbasedSRAM.asc".? They are now in the "Temp" folder.? You forgot to put them there, so I fixed that for you.
?
But it is not complete!? You forgot to upload the PTM (model) files.? Without those, your simulations would be useless.? One of your schematics uses early 1970 MOSFETs, which surely are wrong for 20 nm devices.? You gave them ginormous dimensions of 0.18 meters (180000000 nm) by 0.32 meters (120000000 nm), which will be extraordinarily difficult to manufacture.
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The schematics attempt to load a model file named "180nm_whole.model" but you neglected to upload that, so we can't see where the problem is with your models.? Wasn't that the whole point of this question?
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I also want to note that you drew your PMOS transistors upside-down.? The Source pin is the one next to the pin for the Gate, and that should be UP (towards the more positive voltage) for your PMOS transistors, not down like you drew them.? You should rotate those symbols twice to get them oriented correctly with Source UP and Drain DOWN.? It might not make a difference (since many MOSFETs are symmetrical), but don't count on it.
?
One of your schematics has a capacitor value of "1micro".? That will give you a 1000 uF capacitance value, because "micro" begins with "m" which is the SPICE multiplier for "milli".
?
Andy
?


 

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I've explained what I suggest you do. Do you actually have access to Hspice? If not, forget it and try to use LTspice, unless you can't find 120nm and 20nm models by any means.

On 2025-04-04 15:33, Say Die. via groups.io wrote:
Apologies. It's a bad habit of mine not read instructions before acting. What should I do now? About My Project I am not really familiar with HSPICE and the model file is designed for that APP. And I also don't know how to change the level that suits LTspice.
?
--
OOO - Own Opinions only If something is true: * as far as we know - it's science *for certain - it's mathematics *unquestionably - it's religion

Virus-free.


 

?should I Upload Model files??
?


 

On Fri, Apr 4, 2025 at 10:37 AM, John Woodgate wrote:

.... But your.TRAN directive is wrong, ...

It is actually OK.? Nothing wrong with writing "120ns".
?
Some would prefer to omit any letter after the first one.? But SPICE was created in such a way that you can write "nV" or "nanovolts" or "nanoseconds" or whatever.? It was designed to ignore all characters after the first letter (except for "MEG" and "MIL").? Purists like to tell you not to do that, but there is nothing wrong with it.? It is indeed "safer" to use only one letter but not necessary as long as you avoid accidentally writing "MEG" and "MIL" when they are not what you meant.
?
Andy
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Not now, since Andy has said that they won't work in LTspice. Instead, first try to find 120nm models that will work in LTspice. Then, if your 120nm circuit works, try to find 20nm models that work in LTspice. That is the best route to success.

On 2025-04-04 15:45, Say Die. via groups.io wrote:
?should I Upload Model files??
?
--
OOO - Own Opinions only If something is true: * as far as we know - it's science *for certain - it's mathematics *unquestionably - it's religion

Virus-free.


 

On Fri, Apr 4, 2025 at 10:45 AM, Say Die. wrote:
?should I Upload Model files??
Well, that depends on you.? Do you want actual answers to your questions?
?
Andy
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