Analog Layout Module Generator for IC Design Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The physical design of analog integrated circuits is time-consuming and labor-intensive due to the complexity of analog circuit layout, requiring fine tuning of geometrical techniques and multiple iterations between simulation, schematic design, and layout design, which limits the efficiency and maintainability of design tools.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for integrated circuit design that involves selecting a grid of cells, populating them with layout instances of circuit devices, and routing electrical connections based on predetermined rules, allowing for easier alignment, rotation, and abutment of layout instances, as well as the insertion of dummy rows and columns for improved design efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual layout design with fine tuning of geometrical techniques is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The layout design process is segmented into hierarchical levels: master templates define reusable layout patterns, parameterized modules instantiate these templates with specific parameters, and final layouts are generated by assembling modules. This segmentation allows precision to be maintained at each level while dramatically improving productivity through reuse.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameterized modules where layout characteristics are controlled by parameters rather than fixed geometries. By changing parameters, the same module can be adapted to different precision requirements without manual redesign, maintaining manufacturing precision while improving productivity through parameter-driven variation.
2Reliability
If multiple iterations between simulation, schematic design and layout design are performed, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Master templates and parameterized modules are created in advance with pre-validated layouts and geometrical techniques. This preliminary action stores proven design patterns that can be directly reused in multiple iterations, reducing the time required for each iteration while maintaining reliability through proven techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates reusable copies of validated layout patterns through master templates and parameterized modules. These copies can be instantiated multiple times across different designs and iterations, preserving reliability through proven patterns while dramatically reducing the time required for repeated design iterations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If technology-independent parameterized modules are created, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The module system is segmented into master templates (defining layout patterns) and parameterized modules (instantiating templates). This segmentation separates the complexity of creating adaptable modules from their usage, allowing high adaptability through parameterization while managing complexity through the template-module hierarchy.
Solution Approach 2:
Master templates are designed to be universal and technology-independent, capable of generating parameterized modules for different technologies and applications. This universality provides high adaptability while the template abstraction manages complexity by providing a unified framework for module generation across different contexts.
Data Source
AI summary
In a computer implemented method of device layout in an integrated circuit design an array having a plurality of cells is selected and stored in a memory of a computer. A schematic view of a plurality of interconnected circuit devices of a circuit is displayed on the computer's display. One or more of the circuit devices of the displayed schematic view are selected by a user. Responsive to the selection of each circuit device, a processing means of the computer populates an empty cell of the array in the memory of the computer with a corresponding layout instance of the circuit device, wherein each layout instance represents a physical arrangement of material(s) that form the corresponding selected circuit device.