Problem Statement
Marathon Objective
The objective of the eSim Marathon is to design and simulate functional electronic circuits using the eSim tool and the IHP SG13G2 open-source PDK. Participants must choose one domain— analog, digital, or mixed-signal—and create a schematic-level design that works reliably with simulation outputs.
What You Need to Do
Understand SG13G2 PDK
Learn and utilize the components provided in the SG13G2 PDK for your circuit design.
Design Non-Trivial Circuit
Create a meaningful circuit using eSim's schematic interface that demonstrates your skills.
Perform Simulation
Run comprehensive simulations using Ngspice integrated within eSim to verify your design.
Submit Complete Package
Provide all design files, simulation results, and a short technical report.
Example Circuits
Get inspired by these example circuits for each domain. Choose one that matches your interests and skill level.
Analog Circuits
Operational Amplifier
Design a two-stage OTA (Operational Transconductance Amplifier)
Bandgap Voltage Reference
Implement a temperature-independent voltage reference circuit
Analog Filter
Create low-pass, high-pass, or band-pass filter circuits
Digital Track
4-bit Ripple Carry Adder
Build arithmetic circuits or comparator logic systems
Finite State Machines
Design FSMs like traffic light controllers or sequence detectors
Decoder & ALU
Implement 3:8 decoder or simple arithmetic logic unit
Mixed-Signal Track
Sample-and-Hold Circuit
Implement circuits that capture and maintain analog signals
3-bit SAR-ADC or DAC
Design analog-to-digital or digital-to-analog converters
Digital FSM + Analog Bias
Combine digital finite state machines with analog biasing stages
Pro Tips
Start Simple: Begin with basic circuits and gradually add complexity
Test Thoroughly: Run multiple simulation scenarios to verify functionality