EE 245 / NEEM 6441: Introduction to MEMS Design

Software

SUGAR (CAD for MEMS)

We will be using Sugar this semester - an open source CAD for MEMS package which is used with Matlab(R). Sugar provides a netlist interpreter (similar to its IC counterpart Spice) as well as the ability to solve small, coupled systems of differential equations with Matlab(R).

To use Sugar, you will need either a local copy of Matlab or you will use Matlab from your instructional UNIX account. Instructions for both are listed below.

Sugar on Local Copy of Matlab (Windows)

To use Sugar with your local copy of Windows, all that is required is for you to download Sugar, set your Matlab Path correctly, and run.

Download Sugar from http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=50424. You'll want the latest item in "SUGAR 3.1 Windows" which should be sugar31-010906.zip. Unzip this into a local folder.

Set your Matlab path by opening Matlab, going to File->Set Path->Add Folder. Add the directory you just unzipped Sugar to: $SUGAR\src\matlab

Switch to the $SUGAR directory in Matlab.

>> sugar_init

Now you can switch to whatever directory you want to do your work in and use Sugar.

Sugar on Windows from Instructional Account

For this semester, to simplify my life and yours, I've already installed and configured Sugar in student's instructional accounts. Make sure you have everything configured properly to use graphical interfaces from your instructional account as listed below and then,

Run your x-windows program if necessary

SSH into your instructional account at cory.eecs.berkeley.edu

CD to the sugar directory "cd sugar31-010906"

Run matlab "matlab &"

Initialize Sugar by typing "sugar_init" at prompt

It should provide version information for Sugar. If not, contact your course consulatant

Now you can change to whatever directory is needed to use sugar

Cadence (Layout)

For your project, you will also be using Cadence software to lay out your designs. I have written a short tutorial for getting used to some of the layout features in cadence here, but don't hesitate to ask questions about it.

Software Required for Instructional Accounts

You will need an ssh program and an X-Windows Manager: Students will need the "ssh" command to login to Berkeley EECS UNIX systems. UNIX computers usually have "ssh". Students can download SSH for free from http://inst.eecs.berkeley.edu/download-ssh.html

Students will also need an X Window manager (such as Exceed on a PC). Microsoft Windows doesn't include it, and unfortunately, we don't have one to give away. Alternatives for the NTU students include:

register at http://connectivity.hummingbird.com/products/nc/resources.html and download the 30-day free evaluation copy of Exceed 2006
purchase it from http://www.dcsi.com/Hummingbird.asp (about $390)
ask your sponsoring program to purchase it
run Linux or MacOSX (which have XWindows) instead of Windows
on Windows, install Cygwin/X (free from http://www.cygwin.com/xfree/)

To display graphics, you'll either have to set the display variable or tunnel the connections. Since this is different for most versions of ssh/x-windows, let your course consultant know if there are problems. To test and make sure everything is working properly,

log into your account at cory.eecs.berkeley.edu
>> xterm &

If it opens up a new window for you, you're good. If not, something isn't working properly. If it's not obvious, try contacting Sarah first before going to help@inst.eecs.berkeley.edu.