Automated EDA Scripts for Semiconductor Tape-Out

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Solution Overview

Problem

Circuit designers and project managers face challenges in meeting project deadlines due to increased complexity and stringent requirements in semiconductor design, particularly at technology nodes below 65 nm, where deficiencies in technology files and libraries cause delays and missed deadlines.

Innovation Solution

The system identifies and fixes deficiencies in technology files and libraries using scripts that are automatically executed within electronic design automation (EDA) software, and constructs scripts to perform foundry checks during the tape-out process, ensuring compliance with manufacturing requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual verification and setup of technology files and libraries is performed, then design accuracy can be ensured, but project start time and tape-out time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign accuracyVSAvoidproject start time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary identification of deficiencies in technology files and libraries before the actual design work begins. By pre-analyzing and pre-fixing issues in the design data, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming manual verification during project execution, thus reducing project start time while maintaining design accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service automation where the EDA software automatically executes scripts to identify and fix deficiencies in technology files and libraries without requiring manual intervention. This automated self-correction mechanism maintains design accuracy while significantly reducing the time investment required from designers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If comprehensive foundry checks are performed manually during tape-out, then manufacturing compliance is ensured, but tape-out time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing complianceVSAvoidtape-out time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs comprehensive foundry compliance checks as a preliminary action before the actual tape-out process. By executing scripts that automatically verify manufacturing requirements in advance, the system ensures compliance is established beforehand, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual checks during tape-out

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The EDA software automatically executes scripts to perform foundry compliance checks without requiring manual verification. This self-service automated checking mechanism maintains reliable manufacturing compliance while significantly reducing the time required for tape-out operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If technology files and libraries are not pre-verified, then project start is faster, but design deficiencies cause delays and missed deadlines

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproject start speedVSAvoiddeadline meeting

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary verification of technology files and libraries by automatically executing scripts that identify and fix deficiencies before the design process begins. This pre-verification action enables fast project start while preventing the reliability issues that would otherwise cause delays and missed deadlines

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements self-service automation where scripts automatically detect and correct issues in technology files and libraries without manual intervention. This automated approach maintains high project start speed while ensuring design reliability and preventing deadline misses

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If automated scripts are used to fix deficiencies, then turnaround time is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveturnaround timeVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces automated scripts as intermediary tools that mediate between the EDA software and the technology files/libraries. These scripts serve as intermediaries that automatically identify and fix deficiencies, reducing turnaround time while managing system complexity through standardized automated processes rather than complex manual procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8225256B2Method and apparatus for accelerating project start and tape-out

Publication Date: 2012.07.17 SYNOPSYS INC

AI summary

Some embodiments of the present invention provide systems and techniques that accelerate project start and tape-out. During operation, a system can receive a set of technology files and a set of libraries. Next, the system can identify deficiencies in the set of technology files and the set of libraries. The system can then construct update utilities that when executed by a computer system cause the computer system to fix the deficiencies in the technology files and the set of libraries. Further, a system can receive a set of checks that are performed by a foundry. Next, the system can construct tape-out scripts that when executed by a computer cause the computer to perform the set of checks on the circuit design. The update utilities and the tape-out scripts can then be provided to a customer with an electronic design automation software to accelerate project start and tape-out.