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# Comparing NLDM And CCS delay models
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( https://www.paripath.com/blog/characterization-blog/comparing-nldm-and-ccs-delay-
models )

. A timing model consists of driver model, net model and a receiver model.
. Driver model and receiver models characterized using a circuit simulator,
. net model is either estimated (wire-load, manhattan or star topology) or
extracted from a layout
. using technology parameters of metal, via and contact etc.

NLDM Driver Model

. characterizes input-to-output delay and output transition times
. with sensitivity to input transition time, output load and side input
states
. characteristics are obtained using a circuit simulator with appropriate
stimulus to cause output transition
. Identifies delay and transition time thresholds

. characterization software measure and captures 3 points on sides of active

input and active output
. the points are delay threshold (50%) and transition time thresholds
. Cell delay - Difference between input delay threshold and output delay
threshold
. Output transition time - difference between lower and upper transition
times on output port
. these 2 parameters used to synthesize NLDM driver model
. source voltage, Vi
. resistence, Rd
. output voltage, Vout
. across load, Znet

NLDM Receiver Model

. NLDM receiver model is simply a single capacitor for the entire transition
with no sensitivity

Drawbacks of NLDM :
. NLDM only captures 3 output points,
. not sufficient to reflect non-linearities of circuits at lower geometries
(65nm and below)
. in synthesized driver model during static timing analysis
eg:- when driver resistance is order of magnitude less than the
impedance of net it is driving (Rd << Znet)

CCS Driver Model

. characterized by capturing current waveform flowing into the load capacitor
of the cell
. sensitivity to input transition time, output load and side input states
. essentially a current source with infinite driver resistance
=> provides better accuracy in cases where net impedance is very very
high
. does not require synthesis of driver model
. captured current waveform is driver model itself
. non linear current source, i(t,v)
. ramp voltage, V(t)
 . output voltage, Vout
. across load, Znet

CCS Receiver Model

. much like NLDM receiver model
. with additional granularity to reflect sensitivities like
. miller capacitance
. divided into two parts - C1 and C2
. For STA delay calculation,
. C1 is used in net delay calculation before receiver
waveform hits delay threshold point
. C2 is used in net delay calculation after receiver
waveform hits delay threshold point.
. state of side inputs
. input transition times
. output load