IC Layout Clone Synchronization via Equivalence Groups
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for maintaining synchronization among clones in integrated circuit (IC) design layouts are cumbersome and error-prone, often introducing additional hierarchy levels or requiring manual updating of clones, which can lead to accidental edits and inconsistencies.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for maintaining synchronization of clones through the creation of equivalence groups, where edits to one clone are automatically propagated to all others within the group, using a tracking module to ensure consistency and propagate changes, thereby eliminating the need for manual updates and additional hierarchy levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an additional level of physical hierarchy is introduced to maintain clone synchronization, then clone synchronization is achieved, but the layout complexity and user operation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of clone relationships through data structures rather than physical hierarchy levels. Each clone instance maintains a reference to the master clone through a data structure link, allowing synchronization without adding physical layout hierarchy. This resolves the contradiction by achieving synchronization (improving reliability) while avoiding additional physical hierarchy levels (maintaining layout simplicity).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a synchronization data structure as an intermediary between master and clone instances. This data structure stores the relationship information and enables automatic propagation of changes without requiring physical hierarchy. The intermediary resolves the contradiction by providing synchronization functionality (improving reliability) while keeping the physical layout flat and simple (reducing complexity).
2Reliability
If an additional level of physical hierarchy is introduced to maintain clone synchronization, then clone synchronization is achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtual copying through data structures to maintain synchronization relationships. Users interact with clones at the same hierarchical level, and synchronization is maintained automatically through the underlying data structure links. This eliminates the need for users to navigate additional hierarchy levels, improving ease of operation while maintaining synchronization reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization mechanism operates automatically through the data structure links between master and clones. When the master clone is modified, the system automatically propagates changes to all clones through the stored relationships, without requiring user intervention. This self-service approach improves ease of operation by eliminating manual synchronization tasks while ensuring reliable clone synchronization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual updating of clones is performed individually, then flexibility in editing is maintained, but time consumption and error probability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates automatic copying of changes from master to clones through data structure links. When the master clone is edited, the system automatically copies these changes to all associated clones, eliminating the need for manual individual updates. This maintains editing flexibility (users can still edit clones as needed) while dramatically reducing time consumption by automating the propagation process.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual updating of clones is performed individually, then control over each clone is maintained, but the likelihood of errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through the synchronization data structures that track relationships between master and clones. The system continuously monitors and propagates changes, providing feedback to ensure all clones remain consistent with the master. This maintains clone control (users can still perform operations) while improving reliability by automatically preventing inconsistencies through the feedback loop.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for maintaining synchronization between a plurality of layout clones of an integrated circuit design, wherein each layout clone comprises at least one figure. The method comprises tracking relationships between equivalent figures of the plurality of layout clones, wherein the plurality of layout clones are associated with one another within an equivalence group and propagating an edit made in one of the layout clones within an equivalence group to the other layout clones within the equivalence group.