MOTIF-RF: Multi-template On-chip Transformer Synthesis Incorporating Frequency-domain Self-transfer Learning for RFIC Design Automation

TL;DR

This paper introduces a multi-template ML surrogate modeling approach with frequency-domain self-transfer learning for RFIC transformer inverse design, significantly improving prediction accuracy and enabling fast, reliable design automation.

Contribution

It develops a novel frequency-domain self-transfer learning technique and applies it to multi-template surrogate models for RFIC transformer inverse design, enhancing accuracy and efficiency.

Findings

30%-50% accuracy improvement in S-parameters prediction

Fast convergence of the inverse design framework

Effective AI-assisted automation for RFIC design workflows

Abstract

This paper presents a systematic study on developing multi-template machine learning (ML) surrogate models and applying them to the inverse design of transformers (XFMRs) in radio-frequency integrated circuits (RFICs). Our study starts with benchmarking four widely used ML architectures, including MLP-, CNN-, UNet-, and GT-based models, using the same datasets across different XFMR topologies. To improve modeling accuracy beyond these baselines, we then propose a new frequency-domain self-transfer learning technique that exploits correlations between adjacent frequency bands, leading to around 30%-50% accuracy improvement in the S-parameters prediction. Building on these models, we further develop an inverse design framework based on the covariance matrix adaptation evolutionary strategy (CMA-ES) algorithm. This framework is validated using multiple impedance-matching tasks, all demonstrating fast convergence and trustworthy performance. These results advance the goal of AI-assisted specs-to-GDS automation for RFICs and provide RFIC designers with actionable tools for integrating AI into their workflows.