Diagnosing Inconsistent Power Intent Constraints in IC Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IC design technologies face challenges in diagnosing and resolving inconsistent constraints in power intent, which can lead to time-consuming and error-prone manual processes.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves constructing a logic network based on the power intent and constraints, using formal-method-based solvers to generate refutation proofs, and identifying a subset of inconsistent constraints causing rule check failures, thereby automating the diagnosis and rectification process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual diagnosis of inconsistent constraints is performed, then diagnostic accuracy can be achieved, but time consumption and error proneness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical diagnosis process with an automated computer-based system that uses formal methods and logic network construction to diagnose inconsistent constraints in power intent specifications, thereby eliminating human error and time consumption while maintaining diagnostic accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-diagnosis of inconsistent constraints by automatically constructing logic networks from power intent specifications and using formal verification methods to identify conflicts without requiring manual intervention, allowing the design tool to serve itself in detecting and reporting inconsistencies
2Loss of information
If manual diagnosis of inconsistent constraints is performed, then detailed analysis can be achieved, but error proneness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual analysis with automated formal verification methods that systematically construct logic networks and apply refutation proofs to identify inconsistent constraints, eliminating human error while preserving complete analysis details through structured computational processes
3Productivity
If automated diagnosis is implemented, then time efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary logic network construction process that translates power intent specifications into a formal logical representation, which then serves as a mediator between the input specifications and the automated diagnosis engine, enabling efficient automated analysis while managing system complexity through structured intermediate representation
4Measurement precision
If formal method solvers are used, then diagnostic precision is improved, but computational resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the diagnostic process into distinct phases: logic network construction from power intent specifications, rule check formulation, and refutation proof generation. This segmentation allows the system to apply formal method solvers selectively to specific sub-problems rather than the entire specification, improving diagnostic precision while managing computational resource consumption through divided processing
Data Source
AI summary
A power intent may be loaded on an integrated circuit (IC) design, where the power intent may be represented by a set of constraints. A logic network may be constructed based on the set of constraints and a rule check which is desired to be performed on the power intent. In response to a failure of the rule check, one or more refutation proofs may be created based on the logic network. A subset of the set of constraints may be identified based on the one or more refutation proofs, where the subset of the set of constraints may include an inconsistency which caused the rule check to fail.