Circuit Design Control Set Merging and Fan-Out Replication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Circuit designs for integrated circuits often face challenges due to a large number of control sets and high fan-out nets, which can lead to poor implementation quality and failure to meet timing requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a processor to select and merge control sets by determining matching drivers for loads with the same control pins, and a module-based replication technique to reduce high fan-out nets by creating clones of drivers within specific modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the circuit design includes a large number of control sets and high fan-out nets to accommodate complex functionality, then the circuit can handle more operations, but the implementation quality deteriorates and timing requirements cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the circuit design into modular units (control sets and functional modules). By dividing the large-scale circuit into smaller, manageable control sets that can be independently optimized and implemented, the patent maintains functionality while improving implementation quality and timing performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses replication of control sets and modules to achieve the desired functionality. Instead of implementing complex unique logic, the patent replicates proven functional units, which improves reliability through standardization while maintaining the required circuit capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the circuit design includes a large number of control sets to implement complex control logic, then the control capability is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs control sets with universal functionality that can serve multiple purposes. Each control set is designed to handle various control operations through configurable logic, reducing the total number of specialized control sets needed while maintaining comprehensive control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges related control functions into integrated control sets. By combining multiple control operations that share common logic into single unified control units, the patent reduces the overall number of control sets while preserving the required control capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the circuit design includes high fan-out nets to distribute control signals widely, then the signal distribution capability is improved, but the timing requirements cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal distribution network by creating localized control sets that serve specific regions. This segmentation reduces the fan-out distance and signal propagation delays while maintaining comprehensive signal distribution capability through distributed modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate control stages and buffer elements in the signal distribution path. These intermediaries break up long fan-out nets into shorter segments, reducing propagation delays and allowing timing requirements to be met while maintaining wide signal distribution capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Circuit design implementation can include selecting a first and second load each having a control pin of a same type driven by a different driver, determining whether the driver of the first load matches the driver of the second load, and modifying the circuit design to drive the control pins of the first load and the second load using the driver of the first load. Circuit design implementation can include selecting a net having a driver and a plurality of loads exceeding a threshold, determining a selected module of the circuit design having a number of the plurality of loads of the net that meet a cloning criteria, and, in response, modifying the circuit design by creating a clone of the driver within the selected module and driving each load of the net within the selected module with the clone of the driver.