Analog Device Grouping Prediction via Machine Learning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic circuit design systems face challenges in automatically placing analog devices to meet snapping and grouping requirements, leading to inefficient optimization processes due to overlapping placements and difficulties in predicting device grouping and isolation, which require extensive manual effort.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method using machine learning to analyze schematic features of devices, such as type, connectivity, size, and orientation, to determine whether devices should be grouped together, isolated, or clustered, applying decision tree-based classifiers to predict optimal placement and reduce manual input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If optimization variables are formulated for each possible device placement instance, then comprehensive placement options are provided, but the optimization process becomes inefficient due to overlapping placements and large design space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplacement optionsVSAvoidoptimization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the placement problem by first identifying and grouping devices that should be placed together based on schematic features (device type, connectivity, size, orientation), then optimizing only the positions of these grouped devices rather than all individual devices independently. This reduces the optimization variable space while maintaining placement versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary analysis of schematic features to determine device grouping and isolation requirements before the actual placement optimization. By pre-determining which devices should be grouped together based on their schematic characteristics, the system eliminates unnecessary optimization iterations for overlapping placements and focuses computational resources on valid placement configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If manual placement methods are used to meet snapping and grouping requirements, then placement precision is achieved, but extensive manual effort is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplacement precisionVSAvoidmanual effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service automation where the system automatically analyzes schematic features (device type, connectivity, size, orientation) and autonomously determines device grouping and placement requirements. The machine learning model processes schematic data and generates placement recommendations without requiring manual intervention, thereby achieving placement precision while eliminating extensive manual effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical placement operations with automated machine learning-based analysis. The system uses computational algorithms to process schematic features and generate placement decisions, substituting the manual designer's expertise and time investment with automated intelligent systems that achieve similar or superior placement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If device grouping is predicted manually, then accurate grouping is achieved, but the design process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrouping accuracyVSAvoiddesign time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual device grouping analysis with automated machine learning models that process schematic features and predict device grouping relationships. The system analyzes device type, connectivity, size, and orientation features to automatically determine which devices should be grouped together, achieving high grouping accuracy while significantly reducing the time required compared to manual analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous automated analysis of schematic features to predict device grouping throughout the design process. Rather than requiring discrete manual grouping decisions, the system continuously monitors and analyzes schematic characteristics, automatically updating device groupings and isolation predictions as the design evolves, thereby maintaining high accuracy while eliminating time-consuming manual interventions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS11275882B1System, method, and computer program product for group and isolation prediction using machine learning and applications in analog placement and sizing
Publication Date: 2022.03.15 CADENCE DESIGN SYST INC
  • US11275882B1 patent drawing
  • US11275882B1 patent drawing
  • US11275882B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for electronic design is provided. Embodiments may include receiving, using at least one processor, an electronic design schematic and an electronic design layout and analyzing, via machine learning, at least one schematic feature from a pair of devices associated with the electronic design schematic. Embodiments may further include determining, based, at least in part, upon the analyzing, whether the pair of devices should be grouped together.