Integrated Circuit Interface Timing Determination via Netlist Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity of integrated circuits leads to longer simulation times for determining chip interface timing, making it a time-consuming and inefficient process for chip developers.
Innovation Solution
A method that reads netlist and timing constraint files to determine interface ports, transmission paths, and loads, generating an interface circuit file to calculate signal transmission times, thereby simplifying the process and reducing simulation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If more functions are integrated into a single chip, then the functionality of the integrated circuit is improved, but the simulation time for determining interface timing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the interface timing determination process by identifying specific interface ports and their associated transmission paths separately from the rest of the circuit. By extracting only the relevant interface portions (input interface circuit file and output interface circuit file) from the complete netlist, the method focuses simulation resources on critical timing paths rather than the entire chip, thus reducing simulation time while maintaining accuracy for interface timing constraints.
2Measurement precision
If manual methods are used to determine interface timing, then accuracy can be maintained, but the development time becomes too long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated system that performs interface timing determination without manual intervention. The method automatically reads the netlist file and timing constraint file, identifies interface ports based on timing constraints, extracts transmission paths, generates interface circuit files, and calculates signal transmission times. This automation maintains timing accuracy through systematic analysis while dramatically reducing development time by eliminating manual simulation processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an automated analysis system that acts as an intermediary between the circuit design (netlist) and timing verification. This system uses timing constraint files as intermediaries to identify relevant interface ports, and generates intermediate interface circuit files that serve as focused simulation models. These intermediary structures enable accurate timing analysis to be performed automatically without requiring manual circuit inspection or adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining an interface timing of an integrated circuit includes: reading a netlist file and a timing constraint file of the integrated circuit, and determining a first interface port of the netlist file according to the netlist file and the timing constraint file; determining a first transmission path and a load on the first transmission path between the first interface port and a specific circuit element in the netlist file; generating an interface circuit file according to the first transmission path and the load on the first transmission path; and calculating a first signal transmission time of the first transmission path out according to the interface circuit file.