Cross-Die Floorplanning with Unified Connectivity Visualization

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Solution Overview

Problem

In electronic design automation, designers face challenges in visualizing and analyzing cross-die connectivity during floorplanning, as existing methods lack the capability for simultaneous cross-die floorplanning, requiring iterative loops between die layouts, which is time-consuming and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that displays inter-device and intra-device connectivity via a graphical user interface, allowing for synchronized editing and visualization of cross-die pin connectivity, enabling optimal placement and reduced routing complexity in stacked assemblies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If existing iterative floorplanning methods are used, then designers can complete floorplanning for multiple dies, but the process requires time-consuming iterative loops between die layouts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefloorplanning accuracyVSAvoiddesign time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple die floorplanning views into a single unified graphical interface that displays both dies simultaneously. The system merges the floorplanning workspace for first and second dies into one view, allowing designers to edit both dies concurrently without switching between separate applications or windows. This integration eliminates the iterative loop problem while maintaining the ability to visualize and edit cross-die connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a connectivity visualization mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the two die views. This intermediary displays nets and connections between dies directly in the graphical interface, allowing designers to understand cross-die connectivity without manually tracing connections through separate schematics or switching between different design views.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If designers switch between different die layouts iteratively, then they can adjust floorplans for each die, but the process becomes painful and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefloorplan flexibilityVSAvoiddesigner workflow

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple die floorplans into a single coordinated view where designers can access and edit both dies simultaneously. The graphical interface combines what would traditionally require separate applications or multiple window switches into one unified workspace, maintaining full editing capability for each die while eliminating the need to switch contexts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds a new dimension to floorplanning by displaying multiple dies in a spatial arrangement within the graphical interface. Instead of sequential single-die editing, the system presents dies in a multi-dimensional layout that shows their relative positions and connections, allowing designers to perceive and edit cross-die relationships in a single view rather than through iterative switching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Manufacturing precision

If separate floorplanning approaches are used for each die, then individual die layouts can be optimized, but cross-die connectivity cannot be visualized simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayout optimizationVSAvoidcross-die connectivity visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges individual die views with connectivity information into a unified display. The graphical interface combines separate floorplans for multiple dies while simultaneously displaying nets and connections between them, allowing designers to optimize each die's layout while maintaining visibility of cross-die connectivity in the same view.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a connectivity display mechanism that acts as an intermediary layer between individual die views. This intermediary visualizes nets and connections spanning multiple dies directly in the graphical interface, allowing designers to see cross-die connectivity without losing the detailed layout information for each individual die.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10467371B1System, method, and computer program product for floorplanning in an electronic circuit design

Publication Date: 2019.11.05 CADENCE DESIGN SYST INC

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for use in an electronic circuit design. Embodiments may include receiving, using at least one processor, the electronic circuit design and displaying, via a graphical user interface, a first device associated with the electronic circuit design. Embodiments may further include displaying, via the graphical user interface, a second device associated with the electronic circuit design. Embodiments may also include displaying, via the graphical user interface, inter-device connectivity between the first device and the second device and displaying intra-device connectivity between at least one of the first device and the second device, wherein the inter-device connectivity and the intra-device connectivity are visibly distinct.