Circuit Operation Definition via CAD Data Navigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the proper location for circuit operations in integrated circuits are inefficient and manual, requiring iterative processes involving schematic and physical layout changes, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors, especially when dealing with complex IC designs and densely arranged circuit elements.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize computer-aided design (CAD) data navigation to identify and define precise locations for circuit operations, generating truncated files like GDS-II for efficient communication and execution, allowing front-end designers and circuit editors to optimize circuit operation definitions and perform tasks like net cutting, joining, and probe point creation with charged particle beam tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual iterative processes are used to determine circuit operation locations, then flexibility in handling complex IC designs is maintained, but time consumption and error probability increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that includes a database storing pre-computed location information and a processor that queries this database. This intermediary automates the previously manual process of determining circuit operation locations, significantly reducing time consumption while maintaining the ability to handle complex IC designs through structured data storage and retrieval mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-computing and storing optimal circuit operation locations in a database during the design phase. When actual circuit operations are needed, the system simply queries this pre-computed information, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual analysis while preserving adaptability to complex designs.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If manual methods are used for circuit operation location determination, then detailed analysis of densely arranged circuit elements is possible, but precision and speed of modifications decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical analysis methods with an automated computer-based system that uses databases and processors to determine circuit operation locations. This substitution enables precise and rapid identification of locations in densely arranged circuit elements by leveraging computational power and structured data storage, thereby improving both precision and speed while maintaining detailed analysis capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If iterative manual processes are employed for circuit editing, then design modifications can be tested, but the complexity of the process increases and errors multiply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated system that manages the circuit editing process through database queries and structured workflows. This intermediary reduces process complexity by replacing manual iterative steps with automated procedures while preserving the capability to test design modifications through systematic retrieval and application of pre-computed location information.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for defining a circuit operation, such as a charged particle beam operation to perform a circuit edit and define a probe point. Circuit operation definition is performed in a front-end environment with access to integrated circuit computer aided design tools providing logic level and layout level information concerning the integrated circuit. The front-end environment incorporates circuit operation optimization methods to identify optimal locations for a circuit operation. A back-end environment, such as a charged particle tool computing platform, is adapted to receive one or more files, which may include a truncated layout file with circuit operation location information, for use in further defining a circuit operation and/or performing the circuit operation.