IC Instance UID Tracking for Design Rule Violations
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Solution Overview
Problem
In integrated circuit (IC) system design, tracking modifications and managing system rules is challenging, as violations may go undetected until late in the design phase due to the lack of instance-level identification and tracking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A unique identification (UID) system is implemented for each instance of the IC system, using a unique key and handle based on instance properties, allowing for real-time tracking and reconciliation of changes within the IC system, ensuring compliance with system rules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional IC system design processes are used without instance-level tracking, then the design process is simpler, but design rule violations cannot be detected until late phases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the IC system into individual instances with unique identifiers. Each instance is tracked separately through its UID, allowing granular monitoring of design rule violations at the instance level rather than system-wide, thus improving detection capability without overwhelming complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces UIDs as intermediary elements that mediate between the design instances and the tracking system. These UIDs serve as handles that link instances to their properties and modifications, enabling systematic tracking without directly complicating the core design structures
2Loss of time
If instance-level tracking is implemented using UIDs, then design rule violations are detected immediately, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by assigning UIDs to instances at the time of their creation or elaboration, rather than attempting to track them retroactively. This advance preparation enables immediate detection of violations when instances are modified, eliminating time delays without requiring complex retroactive tracking mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses handles within UIDs as simplified copies or references to instance properties. Instead of tracking entire instance structures, the system tracks lightweight handle representations that capture essential properties, reducing the complexity burden while maintaining effective monitoring capability
3Measurement precision
If reconciliation processes are performed on all instances, then tracking accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by performing reconciliation selectively based on instance properties and modification types rather than uniformly on all instances. The system identifies which instances require reconciliation based on their specific characteristics and change history, improving tracking accuracy for critical instances while avoiding unnecessary processing of stable instances, thus balancing precision with productivity
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed to track each instance in an elaborated model of an integrated circuit system. There is a unique identification for each instance. Each unique identification includes a unique key and a handle based on one or more properties of the corresponding instance.