Extracted Timing Model File Generation via Data Template
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual generation of extracted timing model (ETM) files is complex, time-consuming, and error-prone, especially for inexperienced engineers, as existing tools like PrimeTime™ lack user-friendly interfaces and fail to provide necessary constraints, leading to potential errors in signal frequency and period settings.
Innovation Solution
A data template-based software application with a user-friendly interface allows users to input timing characteristics and constraints, generating ETM files efficiently, with features like 'idealclk' mode for pre-layout static timing analysis and validation checks to ensure accuracy and completeness of timing arcs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual generation of ETM files is performed using existing tools like PrimeTime™, then timing analysis capability is provided, but the process becomes complex, time-consuming, and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary extraction of timing information from netlists and synthesizes timing models automatically before manual intervention is needed. The automated extraction process pre-processes cell data, interface information, and timing characteristics to generate draft ETM files that reduce manual coding requirements and minimize errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary automated synthesis system that acts as a bridge between raw netlist data and final ETM files. This intermediary process translates complex timing data into structured timing models, reducing both the time required and the potential for human error while maintaining accuracy.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual coding of .lib files is performed, then customization for different delay calculators is possible, but the process becomes complicated and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides a universal automated synthesis framework that can generate ETM files compatible with multiple delay calculator tools. The synthesis process is designed to produce standardized timing models that can be adapted to work with PrimeTime™ and other delay calculators without requiring manual recoding, thus maintaining versatility while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates standardized templates and patterns for timing model generation that can be copied and adapted across different projects and tools. These templates encode best practices and correct formatting, allowing the system to generate accurate ETM files for different delay calculators through automated copying of proven structures rather than manual coding.
3Productivity
If inexperienced engineers use existing tools to generate ETM files, then resource utilization is improved, but errors occur due to lack of expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that automatically validate timing constraints and parameters during the synthesis process. The automated verification checks for errors in signal frequency, period settings, and timing arc definitions, providing immediate feedback to correct issues before final ETM file generation. This ensures accuracy even when used by inexperienced engineers.
Solution Approach 2:
The synthesis system performs self-verification and self-correction of timing models automatically. It includes built-in validation routines that check for common errors, ensure compliance with timing constraints, and correct typical mistakes without human intervention. This self-service capability allows inexperienced engineers to generate accurate ETM files independently.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, apparatus and method for generating extracted timing model files, such as macro library files, are disclosed. A user interface or data template is provided to an engineer that allows for the population of data within particular fields related to timing characteristics of an IP block, cell or core. Various types of data and fields may be provided into the user interface or data template. The location of relevant files, such as a cell or core netlist, may be provided within the template. Additionally, one or more modes may be selected by the user to define the manner in which the ETM file(s) are to be generated. An ETM file is automatically generated using the information provided in the data template.