Cross-Fabric Interface Assignment Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The design of complex electronic systems faces challenges in optimally assigning interfaces across multiple fabrics, leading to increased physical design iterations and longer design cycles due to manual pin assignment and lack of system-awareness, resulting in suboptimal pin assignments and unnecessary iterations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for automatically assigning connection points and nets across fabrics, using constraint generation and equation solving to optimize interface placement and net assignment, ensuring system-level constraints are met, thereby reducing iterations and improving design efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual pin assignment is used in cross-fabric design, then design flexibility is maintained, but design cycle time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that acts as a mediator between manual design input and automated optimization. The system includes a constraint generation module, equation formulation module, and optimization module that work together to translate design requirements into optimized pin assignments automatically, eliminating the need for manual iteration while preserving design intent through constraint-based control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual process of pin assignment with an automated computational system. The system uses constraint generation, equation formulation, and optimization algorithms to automatically determine optimal pin assignments across multiple fabrics, substituting manual mechanical operations with automated intellectual operations
2Reliability
If manual pin assignment is used, then system-awareness can be incorporated, but the number of physical design iterations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by generating all necessary constraints and formulating equations before the optimization process begins. The system pre-processes design requirements, fabric configurations, and system constraints into a structured format that enables direct optimization without requiring iterative physical design cycles, eliminating time loss from repeated iterations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the optimization module continuously evaluates pin assignment candidates against system constraints and fabric capabilities. The system provides feedback on constraint satisfaction and optimization progress, enabling automatic adjustment of pin assignments to achieve system-aware optimal solutions without manual intervention or additional iterations
3Productivity
If automated pin assignment is implemented, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex pin assignment problem into distinct modular components: constraint generation module, equation formulation module, and optimization module. Each module handles a specific aspect of the problem independently, making the overall complex system manageable and maintainable while achieving high productivity through automated optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the pin assignment problem from a complex combinatorial optimization challenge into a structured mathematical optimization problem by changing parameters into constraint equations. The system converts design requirements into algebraic constraints that can be solved efficiently by optimization algorithms, reducing apparent complexity while maintaining design flexibility
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual interface placement is used, then adaptability to design changes is maintained, but manufacturing precision of pin assignments decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback loops where the optimization module continuously evaluates pin assignment candidates against manufacturing constraints and design requirements. The system provides real-time feedback on optimization progress and constraint satisfaction, enabling automatic adjustment to achieve manufacturing-precise pin assignments while maintaining adaptability through constraint-based control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual pin assignment operations with automated optimization algorithms that achieve superior manufacturing precision. The system uses constraint generation and equation solving to determine optimal pin assignments automatically, eliminating human error and variability while maintaining design adaptability through programmable constraints
Data Source
AI summary
A system for connecting an interface of an electronic device between first and second fabrics includes a constraint generator that associates first and second conditions with the interface, a first equation solver that solves one or more first equation to select a first plurality of connectors in the first fabric and a second plurality of connectors in the second fabric that satisfy the first condition based on an optimality criterion for the interface; and a second equation solver that solves one or more second equation to select one of the first plurality of connectors in the fabric and one of the second plurality of connectors in the second fabric that satisfy the second condition based on the optimality criterion for the interface.