Asymmetric Ending Cell Layout for Smaller IC Macroblock Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of semiconductor elements in integrated circuits leads to reduced implementation areas for standard cells, necessitating methods to minimize the overall size of the integrated circuit.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of asymmetric ending cells in the integrated circuit, where some devices or features are omitted in certain cells, allowing for a reduction in the width of the first area between macroblocks, thereby reducing the overall size of the circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If standard cells are miniaturized to reduce implementation area, then the overall circuit size decreases, but the area available for standard cells further reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by implementing ending cells with different widths on opposite sides of the circuit. Specifically, ending cells adjacent to the first macroblock have a first width, while ending cells adjacent to the second macroblock have a second width that is narrower. This asymmetric configuration reduces the overall implementation area while maintaining proper spacing and electrical characteristics, directly resolving the contradiction between minimizing area and preserving standard cell functionality.
2Area of stationary object
If ending cells are made asymmetric with different widths, then the implementation area is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making specific ending cells adjacent to particular macroblocks different from others. Instead of uniformly changing all ending cells, only those adjacent to specific macroblocks (first macroblock vs. second macroblock) have different widths. This localized differentiation reduces overall area while minimizing the increase in device complexity, as the asymmetry is applied selectively rather than throughout the entire circuit.
3Reliability
If ending cells are made asymmetric, then overlap of decoupling capacitors and ties is mitigated, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry to prevent overlap of decoupling capacitors and ties by configuring ending cells with different widths on opposite sides of the circuit. The narrower ending cells adjacent to the second macroblock create sufficient spacing that prevents capacitor and tie overlap, thereby preventing latch-up. The asymmetric design inherently provides the necessary spacing control to maintain manufacturing precision while improving reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit including first and second macroblocks arranged in a first direction, and a plurality of cells between the first macroblock and the second macroblock, the plurality of cells including at least one first ending cell adjacent to the first macroblock and having a first width in the first direction, at least one second ending cell adjacent to the second macroblock and having a second width different from the first width in the first direction, and at least one standard cell between the at least one first ending cell and the at least one second ending cell may be provided.