IC Layout with Dummy Cells for Dissimilar Cell Abutment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic design automation (EDA) tools face challenges in optimizing the placement of intellectual property blocks in semiconductor devices, leading to inefficiencies in density, performance, and manufacturability due to incompatible design rules and varying power requirements among different cell types.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of dummy cells with common edge cells allows for the alignment and abutment of dissimilar cells, enabling increased density and compatibility by sharing power rails and simplifying routing, while maintaining or reducing power capacity and active region size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If dissimilar cells with different heights are placed adjacent to each other, then device density is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases due to incompatible design rules
Solution Approach 1:
A dummy cell is introduced as an intermediary element between dissimilar cells of different heights. The dummy cell has a height that matches the taller cell, allowing it to abut against the taller cell while the shorter cell abuts against the dummy cell. This intermediary structure enables dissimilar cells to be placed adjacent to each other without direct contact, resolving the design rule incompatibility while maintaining high device density.
2Area of stationary object
If high power IP blocks are placed in close proximity, then device area is reduced, but local hotspots are generated during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The dummy cell serves as a thermal intermediary between high power IP blocks placed in close proximity. By positioning the dummy cell between these power-intensive blocks, thermal distribution is improved and local hotspots are mitigated, while still allowing the IP blocks to be placed close together to minimize device area.
3Device complexity
If cells with varying power requirements are placed adjacent to each other, then routing complexity increases, but power rail sharing is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The dummy cell acts as a routing intermediary that facilitates power rail sharing between cells with varying power requirements. The dummy cell's design rules are configured to be compatible with both adjacent cells, enabling seamless power rail connections and reducing routing complexity while improving power distribution efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for an integrated circuit layout is disclosed. The integrated circuit layout includes a first block including multiple first cells, each of which has a first cell height, and a second block including multiple second cells, each of which has a second cell height. The first block is disposed next to the second block with a spacing that is either equal to zero or less than any of the first or second cell heights.