Integrated Circuit Compact Layout Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing integrated circuits (ICs) face challenges in reducing overall circuit area without introducing side effects, which limits further cost reduction in mass production.
Innovation Solution
The IC design incorporates a compact layout arrangement by positioning macro circuits close to the boundaries of functional blocks and eliminating tap cells from intermediate sub-regions, thereby reducing the overall circuit area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If macro circuits are positioned close to boundaries of functional blocks and tap cells are eliminated from intermediate sub-regions, then the overall circuit area is reduced, but the layout complexity and potential for design errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The functional block is divided into multiple sub-regions, with intermediate sub-regions specifically designated as tap-cell-free zones. This segmentation allows the design to systematically eliminate tap cells from specific areas while maintaining proper power distribution through dedicated power corridors, thereby reducing overall area without compromising functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the functional block are assigned different characteristics: intermediate sub-regions are designated as tap-cell-free zones with simplified layout rules, while other regions maintain standard design practices. This local differentiation enables area reduction in critical regions without affecting the overall reliability of the design.
2Area of stationary object
If the overall circuit area is reduced through compact layout arrangement, then production costs are reduced, but the risk of introducing design side effects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The design methodology applies compact layout rules and eliminates tap cells from intermediate sub-regions during the preliminary design phase, before fabrication. This preliminary optimization reduces the overall circuit area while maintaining design reliability through systematic application of design guidelines that prevent common errors.
Solution Approach 2:
Power corridors serve as intermediary structures that connect macro circuits to power distribution networks without requiring traditional tap cells in intermediate regions. These dedicated power pathways enable area reduction while maintaining proper power delivery and signal integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit (IC) may include a plurality of functional blocks, and each functional block of the plurality of functional blocks may include hardware circuits, wherein the plurality of functional blocks may include a first functional block. In addition, the first functional block may include a first macro circuit that is positioned within a first sub-region of the first functional block, wherein among multiple sides of the first sub-region, a first side of the first sub-region is closest to a boundary of the first functional block. Additionally, a first intermediate sub-region of the first functional block is positioned between the first side of the first sub-region and the boundary of the first functional block, and there is no tap cell in the first intermediate sub-region of the first functional block.