Automated Merge of Custom and Synthesized IC Design Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
The traditional approach to merging custom and synthesized digital design data for integrated circuits is error-prone, time-consuming, and results in data loss due to the need for multiple translations and manual operations, especially when handling engineering change orders (ECOs) in the design process.
Innovation Solution
An automated process that comprehensively merges custom and synthesized digital design data into a single database, accessible to layout tools, eliminating the need for text format translations and enabling incremental updates without data loss, by using a database-level merge that includes object merging and connectivity restoration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple targeted translators are used to merge custom and synthesized digital design data, then individual tools can operate with their specific data formats, but the process becomes error-prone, time-consuming, and results in data loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple targeted translators into a single comprehensive translator that performs all necessary data format conversions in one operation. This unified translator reads custom design data and synthesized digital design data from text formats, merges them according to a unified data model, and outputs a complete merged database, eliminating the need for sequential manual translations and reducing data loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a unified data model as an intermediary layer between custom and synthesized digital design data. This intermediate representation standardizes different data formats before final merging, allowing diverse input formats to be consistently transformed without loss of information
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sequential translations are performed to complete the design flow, then individual tool requirements are met, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sequential translation operations into a single automated merge process that handles all data format conversions simultaneously. The unified translator processes custom design data and synthesized digital design data together, generating the complete merged output in one operation rather than through multiple sequential steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary parsing and normalization of input data according to the unified data model before the actual merging operation. This preliminary processing prepares the data in advance, enabling the main merge operation to proceed efficiently without requiring multiple subsequent translation passes
3Ease of operation
If manual copy and paste operations are used to translate design data, then flexibility in data manipulation is achieved, but the process becomes error-prone and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual copy and paste operations with an automated translator system that programmatically reads, parses, merges, and writes design data. This automation eliminates the need for manual data manipulation while maintaining the flexibility to handle various data formats through the unified data model
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses structured data copying through the unified data model rather than manual copy and paste. The translator systematically copies and transforms data elements according to predefined rules in the unified data model, ensuring accuracy and consistency while dramatically reducing the time required compared to manual operations
4Ease of manufacture
If targeted translators operate on text formats with incomplete information, then individual tool requirements are partially met, but data loss occurs and multiple translations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal translator that handles all data format conversions and merging operations in a single system. This unified translator is multi-functional, supporting both custom design data and synthesized digital design data formats simultaneously, and performs complete merging in one operation rather than requiring multiple specialized translators
Solution Approach 2:
The unified data model serves as an intermediary that preserves complete information from both input sources. By normalizing data through this intermediate representation, the system maintains all necessary information elements before generating the final merged output, preventing data loss that would occur with incomplete targeted translations
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are present for designing of integrated circuits. Both custom design data and synthesized digital design data are received and merged into a design database in an automated process. The design database is then made accessible to layout tools so that the layout tools may operate upon it. These layout tools can include, but are not limited to, custom tools, digitals, or a combinations of these.