OPERA: OPamp Design by an Expert-Taught Reasoning Agent, from Specifications to Layout
An LLM agent designs CMOS opamps from specifications to layout with open-source tools. All six layouts are DRC-clean and meet every target at 15 PVT corners.
The claim
A taught LLM agent carries CMOS opamp design from specifications to signed-off layout.
The problem
Analog design flows rarely run without manual iteration.
Existing LLM agents stop at the schematic.
Optimizer loops search device dimensions but never reach layout sign-off.
How it works
A designer teaches the agent the gm/ID sizing method.
The agent maps specifications to transconductances and minimum currents.
Lookup tables pick gm/ID per device role; equations size devices.
A few knobs stay open for search, keeping the design explainable.
The agent writes a reusable layout generator for gLayout.
Figures
What changes
It closes the layout and extraction loop at approved gates.
All six opamp layouts are DRC-clean and LVS-matched in SKY130.
Extracted netlists meet every target at all 15 PVT corners.
Limits
The study covers six opamps and one bias circuit in SKY130.
The abstract reports no comparison against human design time.
A designer taught the agent before any run.
Source · arXiv