HLBS Filling via Partial Ring Decoupling Capacitors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hierarchical large block synthesis (HLBS) faces challenges in handling engineering change orders (ECOs) due to insufficient decoupling capacitors and improper distribution of ECO books, leading to voltage drops and integration issues in very large integrated circuit designs.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the creation of a partial ring around the HLBS structure with large decoupling capacitors in critical areas and smaller ones elsewhere, along with ECO books and decoupling capacitors, to enhance ECO flexibility and address voltage sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If decoupling capacitors are added to HLBS structure, then voltage management is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating capacitor placement into two distinct zones: a first region with first decoupling capacitors and a second region with second decoupling capacitors. This localized differentiation allows voltage management to be optimized in specific critical areas without uniformly increasing complexity across the entire HLBS structure, thereby resolving the contradiction between improved voltage management and reduced device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If ECO books are distributed throughout HLBS structure, then ECO flexibility is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the HLBS structure into distinct regions (first region and second region) with differentiated ECO book distributions. By dividing the structure into zones with specific fabrication threshold requirements, the patent enables ECO flexibility through strategic placement while reducing overall manufacturing precision requirements. Each segment can be manufactured independently according to its specific threshold criteria.
3Reliability
If large decoupling capacitors are placed in critical areas, then voltage drops are reduced, but area occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by placing first decoupling capacitors with larger capacitance values in the first region where voltage stability is critical, while using second decoupling capacitors with smaller capacitance values in the second region. This localized approach ensures voltage drops are reduced in critical areas without unnecessarily occupying additional area across the entire HLBS structure, thereby resolving the contradiction between voltage stability and area occupation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach improves ECO flexibility and voltage management within HLBS designs, ensuring better integration and reduced voltage drops by strategically placing decoupling capacitors and ECO books, thus facilitating more effective engineering change orders.
Implementation Method 1
decoupling capacitors of relatively large sizes are disposed in certain areas. The rest of the areas of the HLBS structure are filled with engineering change order (ECO) books and decoupling capacitors of relatively small sizes
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the invention include a computer-implemented method of hierarchical large block synthesis (HLBS). At least a partial ring is created around an HLBS structure. The partial ring includes at least one or more of filler elements, which are engineering change order (ECO) books for adding repeaters to wire dominated nets, and decoupling capacitors of relatively large sizes. Certain areas of the HLBS structure within the partial ring that exhibit a unique characteristic are identified. Decoupling capacitors of the relatively large sizes are disposed in the certain areas. A remainder of the areas of the HLBS structure are filled with engineering change order (ECO) books and decoupling capacitors of relatively small sizes.