Master semi-custom CMOS refers to a design methodology in integrated circuit (IC) manufacturing that strikes a balance between fully custom and fully standardized (ASIC) approaches. This methodology enables efficient development of complex digital and mixed-signal ICs by combining pre-designed and pre-verified functional blocks (known as standard cells) with customizable portions tailored to specific application requirements.
Master semi-custom CMOS design relies on standardized libraries of pre-designed logic cells, such as gates, flip-flops, and arithmetic units, optimized for performance, power consumption, and area. These libraries contain a variety of cells with different functionalities and drive strengths, providing designers with flexibility in choosing components that best match their design specifications. The design process is organized hierarchically, with higher-level blocks composed of interconnected standard cells and lower-level blocks representing customized logic or mixed-signal circuits. This hierarchical structure facilitates modular design, reuse of standardized components, and efficient design exploration and optimization.
Master semi-custom CMOS design allows for the integration of custom-designed blocks tailored to specific application requirements. These blocks typically include analog/mixed-signal circuits, memory arrays, or specialized digital functions not readily available in standard cell libraries. Designers have the flexibility to optimize these blocks for performance, area, or power consumption while leveraging the reliability and predictability of standard cell-based design methodologies.