Digit Pattern Texture for Overlapping Routing Strips in Multi-Layer IC Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
In integrated circuit design with ten or more layers, conventional GUIs struggle to effectively display and distinguish between overlapping routing strips, making it difficult to determine the actual layers and layer directions due to obscuration and the complexity of managing numerous colors and relationships.
Innovation Solution
The technique involves generating a digit pattern texture for routing strips that combines layer identification and direction, causing the patterns to stagger when overlapped, using a method that creates and applies unique 48x48 pixel blocks with shifting digits to prevent overlap, and switching to conventional patterns at lower zoom levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional GUIs are used to display routing strips in IC designs with ten or more layers, then the display can show all layers, but the routing strips overlap and become difficult to distinguish, making it hard to determine actual layers and directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns different colors to different metal layers in the display. Each routing strip is rendered with a color corresponding to its layer, enabling visual differentiation of overlapping strips from multiple layers. This color-coding system allows designers to quickly identify which layer each routing strip belongs to, resolving the obscuration problem in multi-layer displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the display information by introducing a legend that separates and organizes information about different layers and routing strips. The legend provides a structured reference that divides the complex multi-layer information into manageable segments, allowing designers to cross-reference overlapping routing strips with their corresponding layer definitions.
2Ease of operation
If conventional display patterns are used for routing strips, then the display can show routing strips, but overlapping strips cannot be distinguished by layer identification or direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple pieces of information (layer identification, routing direction, and strip location) into a single integrated display representation. Each routing strip display element combines visual cues about its layer (through color), its direction (through orientation or symbolic indicators), and its position, eliminating the need to switch between multiple views or legends for different information types.
Solution Approach 2:
Different colors are used to represent different metal layers, and this color-coding is consistently applied throughout the display. When routing strips from multiple layers overlap, their distinct colors remain visible, preserving layer identification information. The legend reinforces this color-coding system, ensuring that layer information is not lost even in complex overlapping scenarios.
3Measurement precision
If designers use conventional GUIs to view routing strips, then they can see the layout, but they must frequently switch between display and legend views to identify layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the legend information directly into the routing strip display itself. Instead of requiring separate legend views, the display incorporates visual indicators (such as color codes, labels, or symbolic markers) that provide legend-equivalent information directly at the routing strip location. This integration eliminates the need to switch between display and legend views, saving time while maintaining precise layer identification.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments disclosed herein provide techniques for representing a routing strip in an integrated circuit design using a digit pattern. According to certain aspects, the techniques include methods to display overlapped routing strips of an integrated circuit design when there are ten or more metal layers in the integrated circuit design. According to additional or alternative aspects, the techniques include methods to generate a texture pattern for displaying routing strips in which layer identification and layer direction of each routing strip can be easily discerned. According to further additional or alternative aspects, the techniques include methods to cause texture patterns for displaying routing strips to stagger with respect to each other when the routing strips are overlapped in a display.