Automatic Sizing Constraint Generation for Analog Circuit Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

In analog and mixed-signal electronic design, it is challenging to automatically adjust device sizes to satisfy electrical specifications without extensive manual effort and design knowledge, as existing solutions require manual creation of sizing constraints and extensive simulations.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that analyzes electronic design schematics to learn device size parameters, parameter ranges, and matching relationships automatically, using machine learning models and configuration files, allowing for automated generation of sizing constraints.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual creation of sizing constraints is performed, then sizing constraints can be created with design knowledge, but extensive manual effort and time are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesizing constraint accuracyVSAvoidmanual effort time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically analyzing the electronic design schematic and generating sizing constraints without requiring manual designer intervention. The constraint generation unit autonomously extracts device parameters, determines sizing relationships, and creates constraints based on the schematic analysis, eliminating the need for extensive manual effort while maintaining design knowledge accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of constraint creation with an automated computational system. The constraint generation unit uses computer-based analysis to substitute the manual designer's work, transforming the mechanical process of reading schematics and writing constraints into an automated algorithmic process that analyzes schematic data and generates constraints programmatically

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If optimization algorithms are used without proper sizing constraints, then device sizes can be adjusted, but optimization fails or requires huge amount of simulations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptimization efficiencyVSAvoidoptimization success rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by generating sizing constraints before the optimization process begins. The constraint generation unit analyzes the schematic and creates appropriate sizing constraints that guide the subsequent optimization algorithm, ensuring that the optimization has proper boundaries and relationships defined in advance, which prevents failed optimization and reduces simulation requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system establishes feedback by using the analyzed schematic information to generate constraints that will guide optimization. The constraint generation process incorporates feedback from the schematic analysis about device relationships and parameters, creating constraints that provide meaningful feedback to the optimization algorithm about what adjustments are appropriate and within design intentions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Extent of automation

If existing solutions are used, then sizing constraints can be created, but extensive manual effort and design knowledge are required making automation difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstraint generation automationVSAvoidmanual process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanics substitution by replacing the complex manual process with an automated computational system. The constraint generation unit uses computer-based algorithms to analyze the electronic design schematic and generate sizing constraints, substituting the manual designer's complex cognitive process with an automated system that handles the complexity through systematic data extraction and constraint formulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves self-service by autonomously performing the entire constraint generation process. The constraint generation unit automatically analyzes the schematic, identifies devices and their relationships, determines appropriate sizing parameters, and generates constraints without requiring manual intervention or complex procedural guidance, making the process self-sufficient and highly automatable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11048852B1System, method and computer program product for automatic generation of sizing constraints by reusing existing electronic designs

Publication Date: 2021.06.29 CADENCE DESIGN SYST INC

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for electronic circuit design. Embodiments may include receiving, using at least one processor, data corresponding to an electronic design schematic. Embodiments may further include analyzing the data to learn one or more device size parameters, a range of parameters, or a matching relationship of parameters based upon, at least in part, the electronic design schematic or the electronic design layout, wherein analyzing occurs without user action.