Automated Cell Layout Generation for Complex Design Rules
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of design rules in emerging process technologies, such as 14 nm technology, makes it difficult to manually design standard cells that conform to these technologies, as the number of process layers and design rules increase, requiring more sophisticated techniques like double patterning and complicating the design of standard cells for variants of circuit components.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system for generating a layout of a cell that uses an archetype layout and a process technology independent schematic to perform schematic sizing and cell generation, aligning with the design rules of the target process technology, allowing for automated creation of cells that conform to complex design rules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual design methods are used for standard cells, then design flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but the complexity and time required for design increase significantly due to the number of process layers and design rules in emerging process technologies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical design processes with an automated computer-implemented system. The system uses software tools to automatically generate cell layouts by interpreting design rules, processing design inputs, and producing compliant layouts without manual intervention, thereby reducing the burden of complex design rules while maintaining design flexibility through configurable parameters and rules
Solution Approach 2:
The automated design system performs self-service by automatically checking design rule compliance, generating layouts that satisfy all constraints, and iteratively refining designs without external intervention. The system independently handles the complexity of multiple process layers and design rules, freeing designers from manual compliance checking and iteration
2Manufacturing precision
If the number of process layers and design rules increases to support emerging process technologies, then manufacturing precision and technology capability are improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring design compliance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where design rules are automatically checked against generated layouts at multiple stages. The software provides real-time compliance information, identifies violations, and guides iterative refinement, making it easy to detect and measure design rule compliance even with multiple process layers and complex rules
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated design system that mediates between design inputs and final layouts. This intermediary layer handles the complex task of interpreting and enforcing multiple design rules across process layers, translating complex compliance requirements into automated checks and guidance for designers
3Productivity
If automated tools are used to generate layouts from standard cell libraries, then productivity is improved, but adaptability to custom cell designs and emerging technologies decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic adaptability by allowing design rules, parameters, and constraints to be configured and modified based on specific technology nodes and custom requirements. The automated tool can adapt to different process technologies and custom cell designs while maintaining high productivity through parameterized design spaces and configurable rules
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal automated design system that can handle multiple cell types, process technologies, and design requirements through a single platform. The system provides multi-functionality by supporting standard cells, custom cells, and emerging technology nodes, thereby maintaining both productivity and adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
Various implementations described herein are directed to a method. The method may provide a tile database with multiple tiles that define one or more first component sections for a memory device. The method may define an array of storage elements having a specified memory array width. The method may define one or more second component sections having at least part of a standard cell based tile with standard cells arranged in multiple standard cell rows. The method may generate a memory instance by defining a layout for the memory device with the multiple tiles selected from the tile database based on matching the multiple standard cell rows to the specified memory array width of the array of storage elements.