updated documentation

Author: marwaneltoukhy

README.md

@@ -7,8 +7,4 @@
 
 ## Please fill in your project documentation in this README.md file 
 
-Refer to [README](docs/source/index.rst#section-quickstart) for a quickstart of how to use caravel_user_project
-
-Refer to [README](docs/source/index.rst) for this sample project documentation. 
-
-Refer to the following [readthedocs](https://caravel-sim-infrastructure.readthedocs.io/en/latest/index.html) for how to add cocotb tests to your project. 
+Refer to [README](docs/source/index.md) for this sample project documentation.

docs/source/_static/.DS_Store

@@ -0,0 +1,308 @@
+# Caravel User Project
+
+[![License](https://img.shields.io/badge/License-Apache%202.0-blue.svg)](https://opensource.org/licenses/Apache-2.0)  [![User CI](https://github.com/efabless/caravel_project_example/actions/workflows/user_project_ci.yml/badge.svg)](https://github.com/efabless/caravel_project_example/actions/workflows/user_project_ci.yml)  [![Caravel Build](https://github.com/efabless/caravel_project_example/actions/workflows/caravel_build.yml/badge.svg)](https://github.com/efabless/caravel_project_example/actions/workflows/caravel_build.yml) 
+
+## Table of Contents
+
+- [Overview](#overview)
+- [Quickstart](#quickstart)
+- [Caravel Integration](#caravel-integration)
+  - [Repo Integration](#repo-integration)
+  - [Verilog Integration](#verilog-integration)
+  - [GPIO Configuration](#gpio-configuration)
+  - [Layout Integration](#layout-integration)
+- [Running Full Chip Simulation](#running-full-chip-simulation)
+- [User Project Wrapper Requirements](#user-project-wrapper-requirements)
+- [Hardening the User Project using OpenLane](#hardening-the-user-project-using-openlane)
+- [Running Timing Analysis on Existing Projects](#running-timing-analysis-on-existing-projects)
+- [Checklist for Open-MPW Submission](#checklist-for-open-mpw-submission)
+
+## Overview
+
+This repository contains a sample user project for the [Caravel](https://github.com/efabless/caravel.git) chip user space. It includes a simple counter demonstrating how to use Caravel's utilities such as IO pads, logic analyzer probes, and the Wishbone port. The repository also follows the recommended structure for open-mpw shuttle projects.
+
+## Prerequisites
+
+- Docker: [Linux](https://docs.docker.com/desktop/install/linux-install/r) | [Windows](https://desktop.docker.com/win/main/amd64/Docker%20Desktop%20Installer.exe?utm_source=docker&utm_medium=webreferral&utm_campaign=dd-smartbutton&utm_location=header) | [Mac with Intel Chip](https://desktop.docker.com/mac/main/amd64/Docker.dmg?utm_source=docker&utm_medium=webreferral&utm_campaign=dd-smartbutton&utm_location=header) | [Mac with M1 Chip](https://desktop.docker.com/mac/main/arm64/Docker.dmg?utm_source=docker&utm_medium=webreferral&utm_campaign=dd-smartbutton&utm_location=header)
+- Python 3.8+ with PIP
+
+## Quickstart
+
+### Starting Your Project
+
+1. Create a new repository based on the [caravel_user_project](https://github.com/efabless/caravel_user_project/) template. Ensure your repo is public and includes a README.
+
+   - Follow [this link](https://github.com/efabless/caravel_user_project/generate) to create your repository.
+   - Clone the repository using:
+
+     ```bash
+     git clone <your github repo URL>
+     ```
+
+2. Set up your local environment:
+
+   ```bash
+   cd <project_name>
+   make setup
+   ```
+
+   This command installs:
+
+   - caravel_lite
+   - Management core for simulation
+   - OpenLane for design hardening
+   - PDK
+   - Timing scripts
+
+3. Start hardening your design:
+
+   - For hardening, provide an RTL Verilog model of your design to OpenLane.
+   - Create a subdirectory for each macro in your project under the `openlane/` directory with OpenLane configuration files.
+
+     ```bash
+     make <module_name>
+     ```
+
+   Refer to [Hardening the User Project using OpenLane](#hardening-the-user-project-using-openlane) for examples.
+
+4. Integrate modules into the user_project_wrapper:
+
+   - Update environment variables `VERILOG_FILES_BLACKBOX`, `EXTRA_LEFS`, and `EXTRA_GDS_FILES` in `openlane/user_project_wrapper/config.tcl` to point to your module.
+   - Instantiate your module(s) in `verilog/rtl/user_project_wrapper.v`.
+   - Harden the user_project_wrapper with your module(s):
+
+     ```bash
+     make user_project_wrapper
+     ```
+
+5. Run cocotb simulation on your design:
+
+   - Update `rtl/gl/gl+sdf` files in `verilog/includes/includes.<rtl/gl/gl+sdf>.caravel_user_project`.
+   - Run `gen_gpio_defaults.py` script to generate `caravel_core.v`.
+   - Run RTL tests:
+
+     ```bash
+     make cocotb-verify-all-rtl
+     ```
+
+   - For GL simulation:
+
+     ```bash
+     make cocotb-verify-all-gl
+     ```
+
+   - To add cocotb tests, refer to [Adding cocotb test](https://caravel-sim-infrastructure.readthedocs.io/en/latest/usage.html#adding-a-test).
+
+6. Run opensta on your design:
+
+   - Extract parasitics for `user_project_wrapper` and its macros:
+
+     ```bash
+     make extract-parasitics
+     ```
+
+   - Create a spef mapping file:
+
+     ```bash
+     make create-spef-mapping
+     ```
+
+   - Run opensta:
+
+     ```bash
+     make caravel-sta
+     ```
+
+   > [!NOTE]
+   > To update timing scripts, run `make setup-timing-scripts`.
+
+7. Run the precheck locally:
+
+   ```bash
+   make precheck
+   make run-precheck
+   ```
+
+8. You're done! Submit your project at [Efabless Open Shuttle Program](https://efabless.com/open_shuttle_program/).
+
+### GPIO Configuration
+
+Specify the power-on default configuration for each GPIO in Caravel in `verilog/rtl/user_defines.v`. GPIO[5] to GPIO[37] require configuration, while GPIO[0] to GPIO[4] are preset and cannot be changed.
+
+### Layout Integration
+
+The Caravel layout includes an empty golden wrapper in the user space. Provide a valid `user_project_wrapper` GDS file. Your hardened `user_project_wrapper` will be integrated into the Caravel layout during tapeout.
+
+![Layout](./_static/layout.png)
+
+Ensure your hardened `user_project_wrapper` meets the requirements in [User Project Wrapper Requirements](#user-project-wrapper-requirements).
+
+### Running Full Chip Simulation
+
+Refer to [ReadTheDocs](https://caravel-sim-infrastructure.readthedocs.io/en/latest/index.html) for adding cocotb tests.
+
+1. Install the simulation environment:
+
+   ```bash
+   make setup-cocotb
+   ```
+
+2. Run RTL simulation:
+
+   ```bash
+   make cocotb-verify-<test_name>-rtl
+   ```
+
+3. After physical implementation, run full gate-level simulations to verify your design.
+
+   ```bash
+   make cocotb-verify-<test_name>-gl
+   ```
+
+## User Project Wrapper Requirements
+
+Your hardened `user_project_wrapper` must match the [golden user_project_wrapper](https://github.com/efabless/caravel/blob/master/gds/user_project_wrapper_empty.gds.gz) in:
+
+- Area (2.920um x 3.520um)
+- Top module name "user_project_wrapper"
+- Pin Placement
+- Pin Sizes
+- Core Rings Width and Offset
+- PDN Vertical and Horizontal Straps Width
+
+![Empty](./_static/empty.png)
+
+You can change the PDN Vertical and Horizontal Pitch & Offset.
+
+![Pitch](./_static/pitch.png)
+
+We run an XOR check between your hardened `user_project_wrapper` GDS and the golden wrapper GDS as part of the [mpw-precheck](https://github.com/efabless/mpw_precheck) tool.
+
+## Hardening the User Project using OpenLane
+
+### OpenLane Installation
+
+Install OpenLane with:
+
+```bash
+make openlane
+```
+
+For more detailed instructions, refer to the [ReadTheDocs](https://openlane.readthedocs.io/en/latest/getting_started/index.html).
+
+### Hardening Options
+
+There are three options for hardening the user project macro using OpenLane:
+
+1. **Option 1**: Harden the user macro(s) first, then insert it into the user project wrapper with no standard cells at the top level.
+
+   ![Option 1](./_static/option1.png)
+
+   Example: [caravel_user_project](https://github.com/efabless/caravel_user_project)
+
+2. **Option 2**: Flatten the user macro(s) with the user_project_wrapper.
+
+   ![Option 2](./_static/option2.png)
+
+3. **Option 3**: Place multiple macros in the wrapper along with standard cells at the top level.
+
+   ![Option 3](./_static/option3.png)
+
+   Example: [clear](https://github.com/efabless/clear)
+
+For more details, refer to the [Knowledgebase article](https://info.efabless.com/knowledge-base/top-level-integration-and-power-management).
+
+### Running OpenLane
+
+For this project, we chose the first option: harden the user macro first, then insert it into the user project wrapper without standard cells at the top level.
+
+![Wrapper](./_static/wrapper.png)
+
+To reproduce this process, run:
+
+```bash
+# DO NOT cd into openlane
+
+# Harden user_proj_example
+make user_proj_example
+
+# Harden user_project_wrapper
+make user_project_wrapper
+```
+
+For more information, refer to the [OpenLane Documentation](https://openlane.readthedocs.io/en/latest/index.html).
+
+## Running Transistor Level LVS
+
+To pass precheck, a custom LVS configuration file (`lvs_config.json`) is needed for your design. The configuration file should include:
+
+Required variables:
+
+- **TOP_SOURCE**: Top source cell name.
+- **TOP_LAYOUT**: Top layout cell name.
+- **LAYOUT_FILE**: Layout GDS data file.
+- **LVS_SPICE_FILES**: List of spice files.
+- **LVS_VERILOG_FILES**: List of Verilog files (child modules should be listed before parent modules).
+
+Optional variables:
+
+- **INCLUDE_CONFIGS**: List of configuration files to read recursively.
+- **EXTRACT_FLATGLOB**: List of cell names to flatten before extraction.
+- **EXTRACT_ABSTRACT**: List of cells to extract as abstract devices.
+- **LVS_FLATTEN**: List of cells to flatten before comparing.
+- **LVS_NOFLATTEN**: List of cells not to flatten in case of a mismatch.
+- **LVS_IGNORE**: List of cells to ignore during LVS.
+
+> [!NOTE]
+> Missing files and undefined variables result in fatal errors.
+
+## Running MPW Precheck Locally
+
+Install the [mpw-precheck](https://github.com/efabless/mpw_precheck) by running:
+
+```bash
+make precheck
+```
+
+Run the precheck with:
+
+```bash
+make run-precheck
+```
+
+To disable LVS/Soft/ERC connection checks:
+
+```bash
+DISABLE_LVS=1 make run-precheck
+```
+
+## Running Timing Analysis on Existing Projects
+
+Update the Makefile for your project:
+
+```bash
+make setup-timing-scripts
+```
+
+Run timing analysis:
+
+```bash
+make extract-parasitics
+
+make create-spef-mapping
+
+make caravel-sta
+```
+
+A summary of timing results is provided at the end.
+
+## Checklist for Shuttle Submission
+
+- ✔️ The project repo follows the directory structure in this repo.
+- ✔️ Top level macro is named `user_project_wrapper`.
+- ✔️ Full Chip Simulation passes for RTL and GL.
+- ✔️ Hardened Macros are LVS and DRC clean.
+- ✔️ Contains a gate-level netlist for `user_project_wrapper` at `verilog/gl/user_project_wrapper.v`.
+- ✔️ Hardened `user_project_wrapper` matches the [pin order](https://github.com/efabless/caravel/blob/master/openlane/user_project_wrapper_empty/pin_order.cfg).
+- ✔️ Matches the [fixed wrapper configuration](https://github.com/efabless/caravel/blob/master/openlane/user_project_wrapper_empty/fixed_wrapper_cfgs.tcl).
+- ✔️ Design passes the [mpw-precheck](https://github.com/efabless/mpw_precheck).