ECO Cell Structure With Always-On Transistor
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Solution Overview
Problem
In integrated circuit (IC) layout design, engineering change order (ECO) cells are not initially functionally connected, leading to inefficiencies in routing lines and design modifications, with existing technologies struggling to minimize unusable horizontal routing lines and optimize ECO cell width within design rule restrictions.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a semiconductor cell structure with p-type and n-type active zones, gate-strips, conductive segments, and dummy gate-strips, where connections between gate-strips and conductive segments are modified to enable functional integration of ECO cells into normal functional circuits, optimizing routing lines and power grid configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If ECO cells are placed in layout with design rule restrictions, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but device complexity increases due to unusable routing lines and unconnected transistors
Solution Approach 1:
The ECO cell is divided into multiple functional blocks including p-type active zones, n-type active zones, gate strips, and conductive segments. Each segment serves a specific function and can be independently configured, allowing the cell to meet design rules while reducing overall complexity through modular organization
Solution Approach 2:
The ECO cell structure is designed with universal components that can serve multiple functions. The p-type and n-type active zones with gate strips can form different logic functions depending on connectivity configuration. The conductive segments can be connected to power rails or routing lines to create various circuit configurations, making the cell adaptable to different design needs
2Adaptability or versatility
If ECO cells are not functionally connected initially, then adaptability is maintained for future modifications, but productivity decreases due to inefficiencies in routing and design validation
Solution Approach 1:
The ECO cell is pre-configured with all necessary active zones, gate strips, and conductive segments in place before final connectivity is established. Power rails are pre-positioned and the cell structure is pre-validated against design rules, so that when connectivity is added later, the cell can be quickly integrated without extensive re-validation
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive segments act as intermediaries between the active zones and the external routing lines or power rails. These segments provide standardized connection points that simplify the connectivity process during design modifications, serving as mediator elements that ease the integration process
3Area of moving object
If ECO cell width is reduced to optimize layout, then area is minimized, but manufacturing precision may be compromised due to tighter design rule constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The ECO cell utilizes vertical stacking of p-type and n-type active zones with gate strips extending in perpendicular directions. By organizing components in multiple dimensions rather than simply reducing width, the cell achieves compact area while maintaining adequate spacing between elements to satisfy design rules
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the ECO cell are optimized with locally appropriate configurations. The p-type and n-type active zones are positioned and sized according to local connectivity requirements and design rule constraints, allowing the cell to achieve minimum width while maintaining manufacturing precision in critical areas
4Adaptability or versatility
If unconnected transistors are left in ECO cells, then adaptability for future functions is maintained, but device complexity increases with non-functional components
Solution Approach 1:
The ECO cell is designed with dynamic connectivity where transistors can be connected or disconnected based on the specific application. The conductive segments provide configurable connection points that allow the same transistor to serve different functions or be isolated when not needed, enabling the cell to adapt its complexity to match its functional requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor cell structure includes four pairs of conductive segments, a first gate-strip, and a second gate-strip. A first conductive segment is configured to have a first supply voltage, and a second conductive segment is configured to have a second supply voltage. Each of the first gate-strip and the second gate-strip intersects an active zone over a channel region of a transistor. The first gate-strip is conductively connected to the second conductive segment. The semiconductor cell structure also includes a first dummy gate-strip and a second dummy gate-strip. The first dummy gate-strip separates from the first gate-strip by one CPP. The second dummy gate-strip separates from the second gate-strip by one CPP. The first gate-strip and the second gate-strip are separated from each other by two CPPs. The dummy gate-strip and the second dummy gate-strip are separated from each other by four CPPs.