Semiconductor ECO Cell Layout With Pitch-Aligned Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In semi-custom design projects for integrated circuits, the placement of Engineering Change Order (ECO) base cells into a layout is hindered by gaps between adjacent cells, reducing transistor density and requiring complex iterative processes for placement and routing, due to varying dimensions and lack of standardization in cell sizes.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves selecting a pitch for ECO base cells that is evenly divisible by the pitch of metallization straps, ensuring consistent alignment with masking patterns to minimize gaps and simplify placement, and reserving specific regions within cells for metallization segments to facilitate uniform placement and reduce conflicts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If ECO base cells are placed without fixed pitch constraints, then placement flexibility is maintained, but gaps between adjacent cells increase reducing transistor density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by defining a fixed pitch for ECO base cells that is evenly divisible into the pitch of metallization straps. This parameter constraint transforms the variable pitch into a discrete set of acceptable values, enabling consistent alignment with masking patterns while minimizing gaps between adjacent cells, thereby increasing transistor density without sacrificing placement flexibility within the constrained parameter space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by creating a standardized pitch that serves multiple functions: it enables consistent alignment with masking patterns, minimizes gaps between adjacent ECO base cells, and facilitates efficient routing of metallization segments. This universal pitch parameter resolves the contradiction by providing a single value that simultaneously achieves both high transistor density and placement flexibility.
2Manufacturing precision
If iterative placement and routing processes are used for ECO base cells, then placement accuracy is improved, but design time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the pitch of ECO base cells to be evenly divisible into the pitch of metallization straps before the actual placement and routing processes. This preliminary constraint on pitch values enables consistent alignment with masking patterns from the outset, eliminating the need for complex iterative adjustments and significantly reducing design time while maintaining high placement accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pitch of ECO base cells is not aligned with metallization strap pitch, then placement flexibility is maintained, but routing complexity and conflicts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by changing the pitch parameter of ECO base cells to be evenly divisible into the pitch of metallization straps. This parameter alignment ensures that ECO base cells can be consistently positioned relative to masking patterns while metallization segments can be efficiently routed through reserved regions without conflicts, thereby reducing routing complexity while maintaining placement flexibility within the constrained parameter space.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device to which corresponds a layout diagram stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The method includes generating the layout diagram using an electronic design system (EDS), the EDS including at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code for one or more programs are configured to cause the EDS to execute the generating. Testing the semiconductor device. Revising, the layout diagram, based on testing results indicative of selected standard functional cells in the layout diagram which merit modification or replacement. Programming one or more of the ECO cells which correspond to the one or more selected standard functional cells resulting in one or more programmed ECO cells. Routing the one or more programmed ECO cells correspondingly to at least one of the selected standard functional cells or to one or more other ones of the standard functional cells.