Asymmetrical Multi-Bit Flip-Flop Rows for Lower Clock Routing Congestion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern high-performance integrated circuit designs face challenges in power consumption, number of connections, and robustness due to the increasing complexity of flip-flop circuits, particularly as feature sizes shrink and clock drivers trigger multiple flip-flops, leading to inefficiencies in power, performance, and area (PPA) efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A multi-bit flip-flop circuit design with an asymmetrical row structure, where single-bit flip-flop circuits are arranged in cell rows with different physical properties, such as height or driving capability, to share a clock driver and reduce routing congestion, thereby improving PPA efficiency and robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If multiple one-bit flip-flops share a single clock driver, then power consumption and area are reduced, but the number of connections and routing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cell rows are segmented into different types (first cell rows and second cell rows) with different physical properties. This segmentation allows the clock network to be divided into different routing paths, reducing the complexity of any single routing path while maintaining the shared clock driver benefit across multiple flip-flops.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of organization by creating asymmetric cell row structures with different physical properties rather than using uniform rows. This dimensional change in organization allows for more efficient routing patterns that reduce connection complexity while preserving power efficiency.
2Reliability
If cell rows have different physical properties, then robustness and PPA efficiency are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different cell rows are designed with different local qualities (physical properties) optimized for their specific functions. First cell rows have properties optimized for their workload while second cell rows have different properties suited for their requirements. This local optimization improves robustness without requiring complete redesign of all cell rows, thus managing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes physical parameters of cell rows (such as height, width, or transistor sizing) to create different types of rows. By systematically varying these parameters, the design achieves improved robustness and PPA efficiency while maintaining manufacturability through controlled parameter changes rather than fundamental design overhauls.
3Area of stationary object
If feature size is reduced, then area efficiency is improved, but power consumption and signal integrity issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes physical parameters of the cell rows (such as height, width, or transistor dimensions) to create asymmetric structures that are optimized for reduced area while maintaining power efficiency. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the design achieves better area utilization without proportionally increasing power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric cell row structures where first cell rows and second cell rows have different physical properties. This asymmetry allows for more efficient space utilization and reduced area while the differentiated structures help manage power consumption and signal integrity by optimizing each row type for its specific requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes a plurality of cell rows, a first functional block and a second functional block. The plurality of cell rows at least includes a first cell row and a second cell row. The first functional block is formed in the first cell row and configured to provide a first predetermined function. The second functional block is formed in the second cell row and configured to provide a second predetermined function which is the same as the first predetermined function. The first cell row and the second cell row have at least one different physical property.