Automated Power and Ground Net Identification in IC Netlists
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Complex integrated circuit chip design and debugging are hindered by unclear labeling and communication issues between engineers, leading to inefficient analysis and debugging due to the complexity of modern integrated circuits with numerous power and ground rails, requiring both circuit and programming expertise that often exceeds the capabilities of individual team members.
Innovation Solution
A software-based analysis tool that identifies power and ground rails within a netlist by analyzing electrical properties and sorting them into mathematical descriptions, comparing these to preset criteria to determine their function, thereby aiding in error identification and simulation accuracy without prior knowledge of rail types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated design tools are used to analyze complex integrated circuits, then productivity is improved, but the tools require multiple specialized skills (circuit hardware knowledge and programming expertise) that individual team members often lack
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically identifying power and ground rails through statistical analysis of netlist data, eliminating the need for manual configuration by skilled engineers. The tool analyzes electrical properties and device connections autonomously to determine rail types without requiring user expertise in circuit hardware or programming.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the approach from manual skill-based analysis to automated statistical parameter analysis. By transforming circuit identification into a data-driven process that uses statistical profiles and mathematical descriptions, the system reduces skill requirements while maintaining analysis accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If manual setup of input voltages and grounds is performed, then accuracy can be controlled, but time consumption increases due to the complexity of modern integrated circuits with numerous power and ground rails
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically identifying and classifying power and ground rails before analysis begins. By pre-determining which nets are power rails and which are ground rails through statistical analysis, the system eliminates the time-consuming manual setup process while ensuring accurate configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical manual setup process with an automated computational system. Instead of engineers manually configuring input voltages and grounds, the system uses algorithms to automatically determine rail types based on electrical properties and device connections, significantly reducing setup time.
3Loss of information
If clear labeling of power and ground rails is implemented, then communication between team members is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for additional metadata and naming conventions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically generating clear labels and classifications for power and ground rails based on statistical analysis of the netlist. Instead of requiring manual labeling to improve communication, the tool autonomously identifies and labels rail types, providing clear information without adding complexity to the circuit design.
Data Source
AI summary
A computerized method of automatically identifying nets that are statistically likely to be power or ground nets in a complex integrated circuit design. The method, which does not require a-priori information, operates by determining electrical properties of each device or device terminal that is coupled to an analyzed net, and creating a mathematical description of overall electrical properties of these various devices. The method will then compare this mathematical description with at least various preset mathematical descriptions of power nets or a ground nets. If the mathematical description fits, the invention will at least provisionally determine that said analyzed net is a power net or a ground net. The invention may also determine likely voltages for these various power nets.