Automated Device-Based DRC Code Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual creation of design rules and corresponding design rule checking (DRC) codes for integrated circuits is time-consuming, error-prone, and non-comprehensive, especially when dealing with multiple devices, leading to difficulties in understanding and maintaining device representations and introducing errors.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automatically and systematically generating device-based design rules and DRC codes, using a processor to access stored information including unique device definitions and related data, generating design rules that directly mention specific devices, and creating DRC codes based on these rules, facilitating comprehensive and accurate code generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual creation of design rules and DRC codes is used, then flexibility in customization is improved, but time consumption and error rate increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically generating design rules and DRC codes from device definitions and requirement specifications without manual intervention. The processor automatically parses device definitions, determines applicable rules based on device types and processes, generates rule descriptions, and creates DRC codes, eliminating the need for manual creation while maintaining adaptability through configurable device definitions and requirement parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-defining device characteristics, rule templates, and DRC code structures in advance. Device definitions including types, processes, and characteristics are established beforehand, and rule templates are prepared with standard formats. When generating specific design rules, the system retrieves and applies these pre-prepared templates, significantly reducing generation time while maintaining customization through parameter substitution.
2Device complexity
If manual creation of design rules and DRC codes is used, then complex device representations can be handled, but error rate and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the manual mechanical process of creating and maintaining design rules with an automated computational system. The processor automatically retrieves device definitions, applies rule templates, generates rule descriptions, and creates DRC codes without human intervention. This substitution eliminates manual errors while handling complex device representations through systematic data retrieval and template application based on device types and processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by validating generated design rules and DRC codes against device definitions and requirement specifications. The processor checks whether generated rules correctly reflect device characteristics and process requirements, and whether DRC codes properly implement the rules. This automated validation ensures high reliability by detecting and correcting errors before the rules and codes are deployed.
3Quantity of substance
If manual creation of design rules and DRC codes is used, then detailed device information can be incorporated, but comprehensiveness decreases when dealing with large numbers of devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by using a single automated generation process that handles all device types and processes. Instead of requiring separate manual creation for each device, the system retrieves device definitions from a centralized repository, applies appropriate rule templates based on device characteristics, and generates consistent design rules and DRC codes across all devices. This multi-functional approach maintains comprehensiveness while scaling to large numbers of devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies segmentation by dividing the design rule generation process into distinct modular steps: retrieving device definitions, determining applicable processes, selecting rule templates, generating rule descriptions, and creating DRC codes. Each step is independently automated and can be applied to any device type. This segmented approach enables systematic handling of large device quantities while maintaining detailed device information through structured data retrieval and template application.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a system and method for automatically and systematically generating device-based design rules and corresponding device-based design rule checking (DRC) codes. In the system and method, design rules associated with specific devices are generated based on at least one table of related data (e.g., maturity status information, restriction status information, etc.) for different devices. Based on the design rules and on unique definitions for the specific devices, design rule checking (DRC) codes associated with the specific devices are generated. By using this approach, comprehensive and accurate device-based design rules and corresponding device-based DRC codes can be quickly generated to ensure acceptable product reliability and yield. Furthermore, processes used to generate the device-based DRC codes can be iteratively repeated (e.g., when the information used for generating the unique definitions of devices and/or generating the design rules changes) to update the device-based DRC codes and, thereby ensure DRC accuracy.