Canonical Hash Signature for IC Layout Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tracking and managing physical IP component layout data in integrated circuit design are inefficient due to the exponential increase in data size and the inability to effectively identify matching cells or IP components, especially when they are rotated, inverted, or have non-canonical representation formats, leading to computational challenges and difficulties in archival storage.
Innovation Solution
A layout signature generation tool that uses a scan line technique to capture contour-related information and generate a canonical hash signature, allowing for unique identification of layout design data by processing geometric elements in a hierarchical manner, independent of input data ordering and shape orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional layout data representation formats are used, then the layout data can be stored and processed, but the representation is not canonical and order-dependent, making it difficult to identify matching cells when rotated or inverted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the layout data representation into a canonical format where geometric elements are sorted and ordered according to specific rules (e.g., by position, orientation, or hierarchy). This canonicalization process changes the representation parameters to be independent of the original input ordering and orientation, enabling consistent identification of matching cells regardless of rotation or inversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent handles inversion by normalizing the orientation of geometric elements during the canonicalization process. By inverting or rotating elements to a standard orientation before generating the representation, the system can reliably identify matches even when the input data presents elements in different orientations.
2Quantity of substance
If the data set size of physical IP components increases, then more IP components can be tracked and managed, but the computational challenge increases exponentially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the layout data into hierarchical cells and processes them in a bottom-up manner, generating canonical representations at each level. This segmentation allows the system to handle large datasets by processing smaller units independently and then combining results, reducing the overall computational complexity compared to processing the entire dataset at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary canonicalization of layout data during the data collection phase, transforming all input data into a standardized format before storage and comparison. This preliminary action ensures that subsequent matching operations are simplified and more efficient, as the data is already prepared in a consistent format that enables rapid identification of matches.
3Measurement precision
If layout data is processed in hierarchical manner, then matching accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary canonicalization of layout data during the data collection phase, transforming all input data into a standardized format before storage and comparison. This preliminary action ensures that subsequent matching operations are simplified and more efficient, as the data is already prepared in a consistent format that enables rapid identification of matches.
Data Source
AI summary
Contour-related information for geometric elements in layout design data is obtained. Relevant portions of the contour-related information are provided to a canonical hash function, from which a canonical signature for the layout design data is generated.