How to add analog Verilog-A block in ADS

hi there,

I'm pretty new to ADS and VERILOG-A (Version 2012 here!!!).
I'm trying to build a custom model (starting with the most simple example of a resistor). I know how to write the code and have a basic knowledge of setting up simulations in ADS.
I went through all the tutorials and ADS help to get an understanding of the structure of the ADS workspaces.
However, it seems to be kind of impossible to find out how to include your self-written models in an ADS workspace?!

I followed the instructions by kert but this seems not be working anymore in ADS 2012.
I load the TIBURON DESIGN KIT in my workspace, put my verilog script in a "veriloga" subfolder and when I create a schematic (dummy simulation) and use the Verilog-A Load component the program compiles my code without any errors. But now "ael" file is created at any point! I don't even have a folder "network" being created by ADS.
Now there might be some version differences here, but I figure the basic principle should be the same, in some way at least?
To my understanding, using "User Compiled Models" or "Design Kits" is somewhat optional and intended to be used when distributing custom modules.


Is it really necessary to manually hard-code an ael file?!? I would assume that there is some way of including self-written code via the graphical user interface. I know there were functionalities such as "New User Compiled Model" in ADS 2009 but they seem to have disappeared since 2011.


I would say that I'm quite experienced in programming and used a lot of different softwares before. But I'm really stuck here!
Naturally you would expect that at some point you will have to make a connection between your complied code file and a symbol in ADS but I can't find such a thing.
I also looked at the Verilog examples and try to understand but also no luck there.

I hope somebody in this Forum can give me a hint where to start and how to be able to actually "USE" my custom model in ADS, i.e. include it in a schematic/simulation in ADS just the way it is promoted:
"Verilog-A devices provide all of the capabilities as well as the look and feel of
traditional, built-in components, with the added benefit that the end-user can choose
to modify the underlying equations."

Thanks a lot guys!!!!!

ok, so here's what I found out myself now (still not 100% cool I think)

- Create your code say in a file called "test.va".
-In ADS create a library an in it a cell containing a symbol. IMPORTANT: The cell name has to match the module name that was used in the VERILOG-A source code! Seems this is how the connection between the ADS environment and the VERILO-A code works.
- Within the symbol design environment you can click "File -> Design Parameters...".
- This will open a dialog window where you can enter an instance name, a description and (most important), in the "Cell Parameters" tab, you have to add the parameters which are used in your VERILO-A source code. As I understand it, there is no way of doing this step automatically. ADS does not recognize from your source code what the parameters are. Same for the Pins. In the symbol view draw a symbol and add Pins, where the number and function (Input/Output) of the pins has to match your code.

- Now comes a step, which I'm still not happy with: In the dialog, click on "Save AEL file". (This is how to create the file. It is not created by ADS automatically when running a simulation as described in the tutorial by kert).
However, you still can't use your model in a schematic because it is by standard declared as a subdesign (requiring a schematic within the cell you created). So you will have to open the itemdef.ael file and manually change the 4th item parameter from 16 to 0 (it is explained in the ADS help what this attribute means and which options are available).
- Once you've done this, you can now include your custom made module in a new schematic (just drag&drop it from the ADS main view into your schematic)

I'm still not very happy with the "manually edit the ael file" thing... I'm sure there must be a way to do that from the ADS GUI.
But it works now and there is no need to create any Design Kit.

Hope that helps!!!