Contextual Cells for Automated IC Design Migration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional integrated-circuit design methods are labor-intensive and lack the ability to migrate designs across technologies, especially as feature sizes decrease, leading to inefficiencies in power consumption, area usage, and performance enhancements.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of parameterized and contextual cells, which utilize structure generators to create dynamic variants based on unique parameters, allowing for adaptive design migration and improved data access, enabling efficient design migration across different process geometries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual design migration methods are used, then design flexibility is maintained, but productivity is reduced and labor intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automated design migration by having the migration tool independently characterize source technology, select target technology parameters, and generate migrated layouts without continuous human intervention. The tool serves itself by automatically accessing circuit information, performing characterization, and completing the migration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical design processes with an automated computer-based system that uses algorithms and data structures to perform migration tasks. The mechanical/manual process of copying and adapting circuits is substituted with an automated characterization and selection system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional static cells are used, then design simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different process geometries is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a universal migration framework that can handle multiple source and target technologies through automated characterization and parameter selection. The migration tool serves multiple functions: characterizing source circuits, selecting appropriate target technology parameters, and generating migrated designs across different process geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by systematically varying geometric and electrical parameters when migrating designs between technologies. The system automatically adjusts transistor dimensions, spacing, and other critical parameters based on the target process geometry while maintaining electrical equivalence.
3Loss of time
If design migration is performed manually, then topological structure can be preserved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary characterization of the source technology and circuit before migration begins. By pre-characterizing the source process parameters and circuit behavior, the system prepares all necessary information in advance, enabling rapid and accurate migration without compromising reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The migration system incorporates feedback mechanisms by continuously comparing source and target circuit characteristics during the migration process. The system uses characterization data to verify that migrated circuits maintain the required electrical and topological properties, ensuring accuracy while accelerating the process.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods are disclosed. A method may include a method of generating an integrated circuit design. The method of generating an integrated circuit design may include generating a contextual cell including a super-master and defining at least one sub-master, the at least one sub-master derived from parameterized values and a context of an instance of the super-master.