Base Layout Cell Standardization for Semiconductor Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current semiconductor device designs face challenges in efficiently utilizing space and optimizing cell pitch due to the lack of standardized base layout cells that can be applied across multiple functional cells, leading to suboptimal integration and increased complexity in circuit design and manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a base layout cell (ECO base) with common layout patterns and attributes shared by multiple functional cells, allowing for efficient selection and arrangement of base layout cells based on intended functional cells and circuit requirements, which can be modified by flipping or rotating to accommodate different applications, thereby enhancing space utilization and reducing cell pitch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standardized base layout cells are not used, then functional cells can be customized for specific applications, but space utilization efficiency decreases and cell pitch increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating standardized base layout cells that can serve multiple functional cell types. The base layout cell includes common structures (active area structures, metal layer structures, gate structures) that are shared across different functional cells, allowing a single standardized design to fulfill multiple functions while maintaining customization through selective inclusion/exclusion of features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the functional cell design into a reusable base layout cell portion and functional cell-specific portions. The base layout cell contains standardized elements that can be independently selected and combined, allowing designers to customize functional cells by choosing from predefined modular components rather than designing from scratch.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standardized base layout cells are not used, then design flexibility is maintained, but circuit design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining standardized base layout cells with common structures and configurations before the actual functional cell design process. This preliminary standardization work is done once and then reused across multiple functional cells, eliminating the need to repeatedly design common structures and reducing overall design complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating reusable templates of base layout cells that can be replicated and adapted for different functional cells. Instead of redesigning common structures for each functional cell, designers copy the standardized base layout cell and modify only the necessary functional portions, significantly reducing design complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standardized base layout cells are not used, then functional cells can be optimized for specific functions, but manufacturing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies homogeneity by ensuring that the base layout cell structures (active area structures, metal layer structures, gate structures) are uniform and consistent across different functional cells. This homogeneity in standardized components simplifies the manufacturing process, as the same fabrication steps and parameters can be used for producing identical base structures repeatedly, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency.
4Length of stationary object
If space optimization is prioritized, then cell pitch is reduced, but design standardization becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by optimizing the spatial arrangement of structures within the base layout cell across multiple dimensions (horizontal and vertical positioning of active area structures, metal layer structures, and gate structures). By carefully configuring structures in different spatial dimensions, the patent achieves compact cell pitch while maintaining the standardized modular design approach.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and devices are provided, which can include an engineering change order (ECO) base. A base layout cell includes metal layer regions, conductive gate patterns arranged above metal layer regions; oxide definition (OD) patterns, metal-zero layer over oxide-definition (metal-zero) patterns, at least one cut metal layer (CMD) pattern; and at least one via region. The base layout cell can be implemented in at least two non-identical functional cells. A first functional cell of the at least two non-identical functional cells includes first interconnection conductive patterns arranged connecting metal-zero structures corresponding to at least two metal-zero patterns in a first layout, and a second functional cell of the at least two non-identical functional cells includes second interconnection conductive patterns arranged connecting metal-zero structures corresponding to at least two metal-zero patterns in a second layout.