Analog IC Layout Generation via Subcell Partitioning and Merging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of modern integrated circuits and the need for rapid design processes in the semiconductor fabrication industry pose challenges in ensuring proper and reliable IC design, particularly due to geometric constraints and the requirement for manual operations amidst automated design tools.
Innovation Solution
The development of techniques for automatically generating layouts for analog integrated circuits by receiving device specifications, partitioning into sub-cells, performing quality control checks, and merging verified sub-cells into a final layout, while also determining minimum spacing and inserting filler cells to optimize layout efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated design tools are used extensively, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases making it difficult to ensure proper design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex IC design process into standardized functional blocks or cells, each representing a specific circuit function. These pre-characterized cells can be automatically selected and placed by computer algorithms, enabling rapid design of complex ICs while maintaining design rule compliance through automated verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the design process from manual geometric layout to parameter-based cell selection. Designers specify functional requirements and performance parameters, and automated tools select appropriate pre-characterized cells and configure their parameters, dramatically improving productivity while managing complexity through standardization.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual operations are performed repeatedly due to design changes, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary characterization and verification of standard cells during their initial development. Design rules, electrical characteristics, and layout parameters are pre-validated and stored in databases. When cells are selected for a specific design, this pre-performed verification ensures compliance without requiring repeated manual checking during design iterations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automated feedback loops where computer algorithms continuously verify design rule compliance as cells are selected and placed. The system provides real-time feedback on violations and automatically adjusts the layout or selects alternative cells, eliminating the need for repeated manual operations while maintaining precision.
3Reliability
If design rules with geometric constraints are enforced, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables pre-characterized cells to be self-describing with embedded layout parameters and design rule information. When cells are automatically placed and routed, they automatically comply with geometric constraints because their parameters are pre-configured to meet reliability requirements. The system serves itself by using stored characterization data to ensure compliance without additional manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for generating one or more non-final layouts for an analog integrated circuit are disclosed. The techniques include generating a non-final layout of an analog integrated circuit based on device specifications, partitioning the non-final layout into a plurality of subcells, merging the verified sub-cells to form a merged layout of the analog integrated circuit, and performing quality control checks on the merged layout. Additionally or alternatively, generating the non-final layout can include determining an allowable spacing between adjacent cells of different cell types or inserting one or more filler cells into a filler zone in the non-final layout.