Convert UPF to ARC

Understanding UPF and ARC file formats

UPF (Unified Power Format) is a file format used in electronic design automation (EDA) to describe power intent in integrated circuit (IC) designs. It helps define how power is managed and distributed across different parts of a chip, ensuring efficient power usage and proper operation of low-power designs.

ARC files, in the context of EDA, often refer to Synopsys Design Compiler's .arc library files. These files contain standard cell library information, such as timing, power, and functional data, used during synthesis and simulation of digital circuits.

Why convert UPF to ARC?

Converting a UPF file to an ARC file is not a typical direct conversion, as they serve different purposes in the IC design flow. However, in some workflows, you may need to extract power intent from UPF and integrate it into a library or synthesis environment that uses ARC files. This process usually involves interpreting the UPF file and updating or generating ARC files accordingly.

How to convert UPF to ARC

There is no direct, automated tool that converts UPF files to ARC files because they represent different data types. Instead, the process involves:

• Parsing the UPF file to extract power domains, supply nets, and power management information.
• Manually or programmatically updating the ARC library files to reflect the power intent described in the UPF.
• Using EDA tools to validate the integration of power intent into the library files.

Recommended software for UPF and ARC file handling

The best software for working with UPF and ARC files are industry-standard EDA tools:

• Synopsys Design Compiler: For synthesis and ARC file management.
• Synopsys PrimeTime: For timing and power analysis using ARC libraries.
• Cadence Innovus and Cadence Genus: For UPF-based power intent management.
• Mentor Graphics Questa: For UPF verification.

To update ARC files based on UPF, use the scripting capabilities of these tools. For example, in Synopsys Design Compiler, you can use File → Import Power Intent to read UPF, then update your library and export the ARC file as needed.

Summary

Direct conversion from UPF to ARC is not straightforward due to their different roles in the IC design flow. Use EDA tools to interpret UPF power intent and update ARC library files accordingly for synthesis and verification.