Adaptive Square Mesh for Parasitic Extraction in IC Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional parasitic extraction methods in circuit design are inefficient and time-consuming due to the use of uniform grids, resulting in millions of parasitic values that require significant processing resources, especially in complex integrated circuit designs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an adaptive square mesh that adjusts its size based on the criticality of the parasitic calculations, using smaller squares in critical areas like edges and corners and larger squares in less critical areas, to reduce the number of parasitic resistors extracted while maintaining accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a uniform grid of small polygons is used to calculate parasitic effects, then measurement precision of parasitic values is improved, but the quantity of parasitic values extracted increases significantly, leading to increased processing time and resource consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different mesh densities to different regions of the circuit layout based on their importance. Critical regions (containing components, interconnects, and signal paths) use fine mesh for accurate parasitic extraction, while non-critical regions (open spaces, power/ground areas) use coarse mesh. This local differentiation maintains measurement precision where needed while reducing overall computational burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit layout is segmented into multiple regions with different levels of detail. The mesh is divided into fine mesh regions and coarse mesh regions, allowing the extraction process to handle different areas with appropriate granularity. This segmentation reduces the total number of polygons while preserving accuracy in critical areas.
2Manufacturing precision
If a fine mesh is used throughout the entire circuit layout, then manufacturing precision of parasitic calculations is improved, but the device complexity and processing resources required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Different mesh densities are assigned to different regions based on their electrical significance. Critical regions with components and interconnects receive fine mesh for precise parasitic calculation, while non-critical regions receive coarse mesh. This local quality approach reduces overall device complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision where it matters most.
3Ease of operation
If conventional uniform mesh methods are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but the loss of time during parasitic extraction and verification stages increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mesh structure transitions from a static uniform grid to a dynamic adaptive mesh that automatically adjusts density based on region importance. The system dynamically determines which regions require fine mesh and which can use coarse mesh, reducing extraction time while maintaining accuracy through automated region classification and adaptive mesh generation.
Data Source
AI summary
Using an adaptive square mesh for parasitic extraction, small squares of a predetermined minimum size will be placed where accuracy in the parasitic calculations is most critical—around edges, contacts and vias, and corners. Then, in areas where the parasitic analysis is less critical, for example in open spaces, a more coarse grid consisting of larger squares may be used to calculate the parasitic values in those spaces. Squares in the mesh may increase in size gradually to provide more accurate results.