A method and device for updating a chip layout

Abstract

The present invention discloses a method and a device for updating a chip layout. By adjusting the parameter data of pCells in the pCellTable file corresponding to the first layout of the original process platform, the second layout corresponding to the new process platform can be determined according to the adjusted pCellTable file, thereby realizing the update of the layout. In this way, the time required for layout update can be greatly reduced, the layout update cycle can be decreased, and at the same time, the labor cost invested can be greatly reduced, and the efficiency of layout update can be improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of chip design, and particularly to a method and a device for updating a chip layout. Background Art

[0002] When designing and manufacturing a chip layout, it is carried out based on the design rules of a selected process platform, and different process platforms correspond to different design rules. If the chip layout is designed and manufactured based on the design rules of a certain process platform, but due to certain reasons, it is necessary to change the process platform, it is necessary to re-design and manufacture the chip layout based on the design rules of the replaced process platform, resulting in a long production cycle and high labor cost of the chip layout. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and a device for updating a chip layout, so as to achieve rapid update of the chip layout during the process of switching process platforms.

[0004] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method for updating a chip layout, including:

[0005] When receiving an export instruction input by a user, determining a parameterized cell text pCellTable file corresponding to the first layout according to the export instruction and the first layout corresponding to the original process platform; wherein, the pCellTable file includes parameter data of at least one parameterized cell pCell;

[0006] When receiving the adjustment instruction input by the user, determining a matching relationship between the first parameter data of the pCell in the pCellTable file and the second parameter data of the pCell of a newly determined process platform;

[0007] According to the matching relationship, adjusting the first parameter data of each pCell in the pCellTable file to the matching second parameter data to obtain the adjusted pCellTable file;

[0008] When receiving the import instruction input by the user, determining a second layout corresponding to the new process platform according to the adjusted pCellTable file.

[0009] Optionally, in the embodiment of the present invention, determining the parameterized cell text pCellTable file corresponding to the first layout according to the export instruction and the first layout corresponding to the original process platform specifically includes:

[0010] According to the export instruction, export the first layout from the first layout database corresponding to the original process platform to obtain the pCellTable file corresponding to the first layout.

[0011] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present invention, a keepPcell option for retaining parameterized cells is added to the export instruction.

[0012] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present invention, when exporting the first layout from the first layout database corresponding to the original process platform, it further includes:

[0013] Obtain a GDS (Geometry Data Standard) file corresponding to the first layout.

[0014] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present invention, according to the adjusted pCellTable file, determine the second layout corresponding to the new process platform, specifically including:

[0015] Import the obtained GDS file corresponding to the first layout, the PDK (Process Design Kit) file corresponding to the pre-determined new process platform, and the adjusted pCellTable file into the layout database corresponding to the new process platform to obtain a second layout database;

[0016] Obtain the second layout according to the second layout database.

[0017] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present invention, before determining the parameterized cell text pCellTable file corresponding to the first layout, it further includes:

[0018] Determine the file format of the first layout database corresponding to the original process platform;

[0019] When it is determined that the file format of the first layout database is the.oa format, convert the file format of the first layout database to the.cdb format.

[0020] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a chip layout update device, including:

[0021] A determination unit, configured to, when receiving an export instruction input by a user, determine a parameterized cell text pCellTable file corresponding to the first layout according to the export instruction and the first layout corresponding to the original process platform; wherein, the pCellTable file includes parameter data of at least one of the pCells; when receiving an import instruction input by the user, determine a second layout corresponding to the new process platform according to the adjusted pCellTable file.

[0022] A matching unit, configured to, when receiving an adjustment instruction input by the user, determine a matching relationship between first parameter data of the pCells in the pCellTable file and second parameter data of the pCells of a pre-determined new process platform.

[0023] An adjustment unit, configured to adjust the first parameter data of each of the pCells in the pCellTable file to the matching second parameter data according to the matching relationship, so as to obtain the adjusted pCellTable file.

[0024] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present invention, the determination unit is specifically configured to export the first layout from a first layout database corresponding to the original process platform according to the export instruction, so as to obtain the pCellTable file corresponding to the first layout.

[0025] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present invention, the determination unit is further configured to obtain a GDS file corresponding to the first layout when exporting the first layout from the first layout database corresponding to the original process platform.

[0026] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present invention, the determination unit is specifically configured to import the obtained GDS file corresponding to the first layout, a pre-determined PDK file corresponding to the new process platform, and the adjusted pCellTable file into a second layout database corresponding to the new process platform; and obtain the second layout according to the second layout database.

[0027] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0028] A method and device for updating a chip layout provided by an embodiment of the present invention can, by adjusting parameter data of pCells in a pCellTable file corresponding to a first layout corresponding to an original process platform, determine a second layout corresponding to a new process platform according to the adjusted pCellTable file, thereby realizing layout update. In this way, the time required for layout update can be greatly reduced, the layout update cycle can be decreased, and at the same time, the labor cost invested can be greatly reduced, and the efficiency of layout update can be improved. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] Figure 1 It is a flowchart of a method for updating a chip layout provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 It is a schematic structural diagram of a device for updating a chip layout provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Embodiments

[0031] Next, with reference to the drawings, the detailed embodiments of a method for updating a chip layout and its updating device provided in an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. It should be noted that the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without making creative efforts belong to the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] It should be noted that the process platform mentioned in the embodiments of the present invention can be understood as: a manufacturer that produces and manufactures chips according to the designed layout. Different manufacturers correspond to different layout design rules, and different layout design rules correspond to different PDKs; assuming that the layout is made based on the PDK of manufacturer A and needs to be changed to manufacturer B for chip production for some reasons, the designed layout needs to be updated and adjusted so that the updated and adjusted layout is applicable to the PDK of manufacturer B, so that manufacturer B can produce and manufacture chips according to the layout and achieve mass production of the chips.

[0033] Among them, the relationship between the layout design rules and the PDK can be understood as:

[0034] The layout design rules are a set of rule conditions that can be used to specify the setting methods and requirements of each structure; while the PDK is a set of pCells designed to meet the layout rule conditions, and the layout designed through the PDK can meet the layout design rules.

[0035] Moreover, for the PDK, some manufacturers can also call it FDK (foundary design kit, production development kit), that is: some manufacturers call it PDK, and some manufacturers call it FDK, but the meanings and functions they represent are the same.

[0036] Therefore, the embodiments of the present invention provide a method for updating a chip layout, as Figure 1 shown, which may include:

[0037] S101. When receiving an export instruction input by a user, determine a parameterized cell text pCellTable file corresponding to the first layout according to the export instruction and the first layout corresponding to the original process platform; wherein, the pCellTable file includes parameter data of at least one pCell.

[0038] S102. When receiving an adjustment instruction input by a user, determine the matching relationship between the first parameter data of the pCell in the pCellTable file and the second parameter data of the pCell of a newly determined process platform.

[0039] For example, this matching relationship can be understood as:

[0040] The first layout can be understood as the original layout corresponding to the original process platform. Since the process platform is switched, it is necessary to modify, update, and adjust the first layout so that the first layout is updated to the second layout suitable for the new process platform.

[0041] In the pCellTable file corresponding to the first layout, the first parameter data of the pCell used to describe a certain structure (such as but not limited to a transistor) may include: a parameter name (such as pmos) and a parameter value (such as width = 2μm).

[0042] And the second parameter data of the pCell used to describe the same structure (i.e., the transistor) in the new process platform may include: a parameter name (such as pch) and a parameter value (such as wid = 2μm).

[0043] At this time, the matching relationship between the parameter names and the matching relationship between the parameter values in the two pCells used to describe the same structure can be determined.

[0044] S103. According to the matching relationship, adjust the first parameter data of each pCell in the pCellTable file to the matching second parameter data to obtain an adjusted pCellTable file.

[0045] Specifically, following the description of the above example, during adjustment, the parameter name in the pCell describing the transistor in the pCellTable file can be adjusted from pmos to the matching pch, and the parameter value can be adjusted from width = 2μm to the matching wid = 2μm, so as to realize the adjustment of the pCellTable file.

[0046] S104. When receiving an import instruction input by a user, determine the second layout corresponding to the new process platform according to the adjusted pCellTable file.

[0047] In this way, after adjusting the parameter data of the pCells in the pCellTable file corresponding to the first layout of the original process platform, the second layout corresponding to the new process platform can be determined according to the adjusted pCellTable file, thus realizing the update of the layout. In this way, the time required for layout update can be greatly reduced, the layout update cycle can be shortened, and at the same time, the labor cost invested can be greatly reduced, and the efficiency of layout update can be improved.

[0048] Specifically, when determining the second layout corresponding to the new process platform by adjusting the pCellTable file, the layout update time can be shortened from more than 2 months to 1-2 weeks, and at the same time, the labor cost can be reduced by more than 80%, so that the layout update efficiency and update cost can be greatly improved.

[0049] Optionally, in the embodiment of the present invention, according to the export instruction and the first layout corresponding to the original process platform, determining the parameterized cell text pCellTable file corresponding to the first layout specifically includes:

[0050] According to the export instruction, export the first layout from the first layout database corresponding to the original process platform to obtain the pCellTable file corresponding to the first layout.

[0051] In this way, based on the export instruction input by the user, the pCellTable file corresponding to the first layout can be exported, so as to facilitate subsequent adjustment of the pCellTable file, which is conducive to realizing the update of the layout.

[0052] Specifically, the layout database can be understood as:

[0053] After the layout is drawn by a layout design software (such as but not limited to VIRTUOSO), a binary data file generated during data saving, and the file format of the layout database can be but not limited to the.cdb format. Through the layout design software, the layout database can be directly read and finely edited and adjusted.

[0054] And after the layout database is read by the layout design software, the corresponding layout can be displayed on the interface of the layout design software.

[0055] In addition, the layout database may include: techfile (i.e., technology file) information and layout information of multiple small modules, and each small module may include multiple components;

[0056] For example, taking the layout database corresponding to the layout of a PMU (Power Management Unit) as an example, in actual situations, assuming that the PMU can include a DC-DC converter, a linear voltage regulator, and a charging controller, correspondingly, in the layout database of the PMU, it can include the layout structure corresponding to the DC-DC converter, the layout structure corresponding to the linear voltage regulator, the layout structure corresponding to the charging controller, as well as information such as the setting positions and connection relationships between these layout structures; by setting the positions and connection relationships of the layout structure corresponding to the DC-DC converter, the layout structure corresponding to the linear voltage regulator, and the layout structure corresponding to the charging controller, the layout of the PMU can be obtained.

[0057] Optionally, in the embodiments of the present invention, the export instruction is added with a keepPcell (i.e., retain parameterized cell) option.

[0058] Among them, when the user inputs the export instruction, the keepPcell option needs to be added, and the keepPcell option has been configured in the layout design software itself. Therefore, when the user inputs the export instruction, the user can check the keepPcell option or not check the keepPcell option.

[0059] If the keepPcell option is checked when the user inputs the export instruction, the layout design software can export the pCellTable file; if the keepPcell option is not checked when the user inputs the export instruction, the layout design software cannot export the pCellTable file.

[0060] Therefore, by adding the keepPcell option to the export instruction, the pCellTable file corresponding to the first layout can be obtained, which is conducive to quickly realizing the update of the layout and improving the efficiency of layout update.

[0061] Optionally, in the embodiments of the present invention, when exporting the first layout from the first layout database corresponding to the original process platform, it further includes:

[0062] Obtaining the geometric data standard GDS file corresponding to the first layout.

[0063] Among them, the GDS file can include: each pCell included in the first layout, as well as information such as the setting positions, hierarchical structures, and connection relationships of each pCell.

[0064] And, when exporting the GDS file according to the export instruction, regardless of whether the keepPcell option is added, the GDS file will be exported.

[0065] Optionally, in the embodiments of the present invention, according to the adjusted pCellTable file, the second layout corresponding to the new process platform is determined, specifically including:

[0066] Import the GDS file corresponding to the obtained first layout, the PDK file corresponding to the pre-determined new process platform, and the adjusted pCellTable file into the layout database corresponding to the new process platform to obtain a second layout database;

[0067] Obtain the second layout according to the second layout database.

[0068] In this way, by importing the GDS file corresponding to the first layout, the PDK file corresponding to the new process platform, and the adjusted pCellTable file into the layout database, a second layout database corresponding to the new process platform can be obtained. By reading the second layout database with layout design software, the second layout can be displayed on the interface of the layout design software, thereby realizing the update of the layout.

[0069] Specifically, the PDK file may include: a plurality of pCells and other information related to layout design.

[0070] For layout design, the differences between different process platforms can be mainly reflected in the differences of the PDK files. Therefore, different combinations of pCells can be provided for different process platforms, so as to realize the layout design corresponding to each process platform.

[0071] Moreover, it should be noted that for the obtained second layout database, the pCells included in the PDK file have completed automatic switching, so that the parameter data of each pCell in the PDK file corresponds to the new process platform, and the pCell parameter data in the PDK corresponding to the original process platform (which may but is not limited to including: the conversion algorithm of parameter values and the conversion of parameter names) is also passed over, realizing the replacement of parameter data, so that the layout corresponding to the new process platform can be obtained based on the obtained second layout database, realizing the rapid update of the layout.

[0072] Therefore, specifically, in the above step S103, according to the matching relationship, the parameter names and parameter values of the original pCell in the pCellTable file can be replaced with the parameter names and parameter values of the pCell of the matching new process platform.

[0073] For example, taking a MOS (i.e., metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor) device as an example, the parameter name of the pCell provided in the PDK file corresponding to Process A is pmos (the parameter name for width is width), and the parameter name of the pCell provided in the PDK file corresponding to Process B is pch (the parameter name for width is wid). At this time:

[0074] It is necessary to replace the parameter name of the pCell in the pCellTable file from pmos to pch, and also transfer the width parameter value of pmos with width = 2um to the width parameter wid of pch.

[0075] Optionally, in the embodiment of the present invention, before determining the parameterized cell text pCellTable file corresponding to the first layout, it further includes:

[0076] Determine the file format of the first layout database corresponding to the original process platform;

[0077] When it is determined that the file format of the first layout database is the.oa format, convert the file format of the first layout database to the.cdb format.

[0078] Among them, the file format of the layout database may, but is not limited to, include:.oa format and.cdb format. In the embodiment of the present invention, it mainly targets the layout database with the.cdb format;

[0079] Therefore, when it is determined that the file format of the first layout database is the.oa format, it is necessary to convert the file format to the.cdb format, which is beneficial to the subsequent execution of the layout update process.

[0080] Optionally, in the embodiment of the present invention, in addition to automatically modifying the pCellTable file, since techfile and layermap (i.e., hierarchical file) are also used in the process of updating the layout, when updating the layout, techfile and layermap can also be manually modified to align information such as the contact hole size and the layer numbers where each connection line is located between two different process platforms.

[0081] And, after obtaining the second layout and realizing the update of the layout, if the schematic diagram corresponding to the layout needs to be adjusted, the layout can be synchronously adjusted in the second layout database, which is beneficial to the subsequent upgrade and revision of the chip.

[0082] Based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the present invention provides an update device for a chip layout. The implementation principle of this update device is similar to the aforementioned update method for a chip layout. Therefore, the specific implementation of this update device can refer to the specific embodiments of the aforementioned update method, and the repeated parts will not be elaborated again.

[0083] Specifically, an update device for a chip layout provided by an embodiment of the present invention, as Figure 2 shown, may include:

[0084] A determination unit 201, configured to, when receiving an export instruction input by a user, determine a parameterized cell text pCellTable file corresponding to the first layout according to the export instruction and the first layout corresponding to the original process platform; wherein, the pCellTable file includes parameter data of at least one pCell; when receiving an import instruction input by the user, determine a second layout corresponding to the new process platform according to the adjusted pCellTable file;

[0085] A matching unit 202, configured to, when receiving an adjustment instruction input by a user, determine a matching relationship between the first parameter data of the pCell in the pCellTable file and the second parameter data of the pCell of the pre-determined new process platform;

[0086] An adjustment unit 203, configured to adjust the first parameter data of each pCell in the pCellTable file to the matching second parameter data according to the matching relationship, so as to obtain an adjusted pCellTable file.

[0087] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present invention, the determination unit 201 is specifically configured to export the first layout from the first layout database corresponding to the original process platform according to the export instruction, so as to obtain a pCellTable file corresponding to the first layout.

[0088] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present invention, the determination unit 201 is further configured to obtain a GDS file corresponding to the first layout when exporting the first layout from the first layout database corresponding to the original process platform.

[0089] Optionally, in an embodiment of the present invention, the determination unit 201 is specifically configured to import the obtained GDS file corresponding to the first layout, the PDK file corresponding to the pre-determined new process platform, and the adjusted pCellTable file into the second layout database corresponding to the new process platform; and obtain the second layout according to the second layout database.

[0090] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present invention fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention and their equivalent technologies, the present invention also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A method for updating a chip layout, characterized in that, it includes: When receiving an export instruction input by a user, determining a parameterized cell text pCellTable file corresponding to the first layout according to the export instruction and the first layout corresponding to the original process platform; wherein, the pCellTable file includes parameter data of at least one parameterized cell pCell; When receiving the adjustment instruction input by the user, determining a matching relationship between the first parameter data of the pCell in the pCellTable file and the second parameter data of the pCell of a pre-determined new process platform; According to the matching relationship, adjusting the first parameter data of each pCell in the pCellTable file to the matching second parameter data to obtain the adjusted pCellTable file; When receiving the import instruction input by the user, determining a second layout corresponding to the new process platform according to the adjusted pCellTable file.

2. The update method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Determining the parameterized cell text pCellTable file corresponding to the first layout according to the export instruction and the first layout corresponding to the original process platform specifically includes: According to the export instruction, exporting the first layout from the first layout database corresponding to the original process platform to obtain the pCellTable file corresponding to the first layout.

3. The update method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The export instruction is added with a keep parameterized cell keepPcell option.

4. The update method according to claim 2, characterized in that, When exporting the first layout from the first layout database corresponding to the original process platform, it further includes: Obtaining a geometric data standard GDS file corresponding to the first layout.

5. The update method according to claim 4, characterized in that, Determining the second layout corresponding to the new process platform according to the adjusted pCellTable file specifically includes: Importing the obtained GDS file corresponding to the first layout, the PDK file corresponding to the pre-determined new process platform, and the adjusted pCellTable file into the layout database corresponding to the new process platform to obtain a second layout database; Obtaining the second layout according to the second layout database.

6. The update method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, Before determining the parameterized cell text pCellTable file corresponding to the first layout, it further includes: Determining the file format of the first layout database corresponding to the original process platform; When determining that the file format of the first layout database is the.oa format, converting the file format of the first layout database to the.cdb format.

7. A chip layout update device, characterized in that, it includes: A determination unit, configured to, when receiving an export instruction input by a user, determine a parameterized cell text pCellTable file corresponding to the first layout according to the export instruction and the first layout corresponding to the original process platform; wherein, the pCellTable file includes parameter data of at least one parameterized cell pCell; when receiving the import instruction input by the user, determine a second layout corresponding to the new process platform according to the adjusted pCellTable file. A matching unit, configured to, when receiving the adjustment instruction input by the user, determine a matching relationship between the first parameter data of the pCell in the pCellTable file and the second parameter data of the pCell of the new process platform determined in advance. An adjustment unit, configured to adjust the first parameter data of each pCell in the pCellTable file to the matching second parameter data according to the matching relationship, so as to obtain the adjusted pCellTable file.

8. The update device according to claim 7, wherein, the determination unit is specifically configured to export the first layout from the first layout database corresponding to the original process platform according to the export instruction, so as to obtain the pCellTable file corresponding to the first layout.

9. The update device according to claim 7, wherein, the determination unit is further configured to obtain a geometric data standard GDS file corresponding to the first layout when exporting the first layout from the first layout database corresponding to the original process platform.

10. The update device according to claim 9, wherein, the determination unit is specifically configured to import the obtained GDS file corresponding to the first layout, the PDK file corresponding to the new process platform determined in advance, and the adjusted pCellTable file into the second layout database corresponding to the new process platform; and obtain the second layout according to the second layout database.

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