Ansys PowerArtist vs. Ansys PathFinder

Ansys PowerArtist is recognized as the premier RTL design-for-power solution favored by leading low-power semiconductor companies, aiding in the early detection and mitigation of power issues. This innovative platform boasts features such as physically-aware RTL power precision, tools for interactive debugging of power-related challenges, and methodologies driven by analysis aimed at reducing power consumption, alongside unique metrics to assess both power efficiency and vector coverage. Furthermore, it supports swift power profiling grounded in real-world workloads and guarantees a seamless transition from RTL to maintaining the integrity of the physical power grid. The specially crafted physically-aware modeling capabilities of PowerArtist empower semiconductor firms to achieve trustworthy and rapid RTL power accuracy, which aids in making informed decisions at the earliest phases of design. Relying solely on synthesis to evaluate power consumption can prove to be too late; therefore, design teams utilize PowerArtist to meticulously break down and scrutinize power usage, effectively identify inefficient RTL code, and detect any unnecessary toggles present in the design. Additionally, the platform allows for the rapid profiling of extensive cycles, ensuring optimal performance throughout the development process. This all-encompassing methodology not only boosts overall efficiency but also significantly simplifies the design workflow, leading to faster project completion and enhanced product quality.

Ansys PathFinder-SC is a powerful and high-capacity tool specifically created for the effective planning, validation, and approval of IP and full-chip SoC designs, ensuring their durability and dependability against electrostatic discharge (ESD). By identifying the key elements that lead to design issues potentially resulting in chip failures due to occurrences like charged-device models (CDM) and human body models (HBM), Ansys PathFinder-SC provides essential insights for improvements. Its cloud-native architecture leverages the capabilities of thousands of computing cores, allowing for rapid full-chip turnaround times. Additionally, this solution has achieved certification from prominent foundries for performing current density evaluations and ESD approvals. With an all-encompassing integrated data modeling, extraction, and transient simulation engine, PathFinder-SC presents a streamlined end-to-end process for ESD verification. The tool utilizes a single-pass model that efficiently interprets standard design formats, sets ESD criteria, extracts resistive-capacitive (RC) values for the power network, and conducts ESD simulations to explore root causes, ultimately offering actionable recommendations for corrections and optimizations—all within a unified application. This comprehensive level of integration not only boosts operational efficiency but also significantly enhances the reliability of chip designs, making it an indispensable resource for engineers in the field. Moreover, the continuous updates and support ensure that users remain equipped with the latest advancements in ESD verification technology.