Learn how Arena PLM helps semiconductor companies and their foundry partners manage PDK-related documentation.
Semiconductor manufacturing processes are highly complex and vary between foundries and technology nodes. A PDK helps designers understand the physical and electrical limitations associated with a manufacturing process.
By using an approved PDK, engineering teams can:
Because fabrication costs can be significant, validating designs before tape-out is critical.
The contents of a PDK vary by foundry and technology process, but common components include:
These resources help engineering teams create designs that align with foundry requirements while supporting simulation and verification activities.
PDKs are not static documents. Foundries periodically update design rules, process parameters, and manufacturing guidance. Engineering organizations must carefully manage which PDK version is being used for a specific project.
Changes to a PDK may affect:
Maintaining visibility into approved PDK versions is essential for controlling design risk and ensuring consistent development processes.
PLM systems help organizations manage PDK-related documentation, approvals, revisions, and engineering changes. As foundries release updated PDK versions, engineering teams can use PLM to track adoption, document reviews, and approval workflows. Managing approved PDK versions in PLM helps ensure design teams and partners work from consistent manufacturing assumptions.
PLM platforms support PDK management by:
By connecting PDK management with design control processes, organizations can improve collaboration and reduce the risk of using outdated manufacturing requirements.
A process design kit is a collection of design rules, models, and documentation that helps engineers design chips for a specific foundry process. It ensures designs align with manufacturing requirements.
A PDK provides the information needed to verify that a design can be manufactured successfully. It helps reduce fabrication risks and improve design accuracy.
PDKs are typically provided by semiconductor foundries. They are developed to support specific manufacturing processes and technology nodes.
PLM systems track document revisions, approvals, and engineering changes associated with PDK updates. This helps organizations maintain design control and traceability.
