IC Layout Legalization for Multi-Row Component Overlap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing placement algorithms struggle with multi-row components in integrated circuit (IC) design, leading to suboptimal placement, inefficiencies, and increased design iterations, as they fail to adequately manage overlaps and adhere to design rules.
Innovation Solution
A method involving sorting components by initial positions and performing a row-by-row legalization process to find optimal placement, considering multi-row gates and minimizing movement, while using a data structure to track overlaps and waiting statuses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing placement algorithms are used for multi-row components, then the placement process is simpler, but the placement quality is suboptimal and requires increased design iterations
Solution Approach 1:
The placement process is divided into row-by-row legalization steps, where each row is processed independently to determine optimal component positions. This segmentation allows the algorithm to handle multi-row components systematically while maintaining placement quality and reducing the need for iterative redesign.
2Loss of time
If component placement is optimized row-by-row, then signal delays are reduced, but computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The algorithm performs preliminary row-by-row legalization during the initial placement phase, determining optimal component positions before finalization. This preliminary action minimizes signal delays by establishing optimal routing paths early, while the structured approach prevents excessive computational resource consumption.
3Reliability
If multi-row components are properly managed, then fabrication errors are reduced, but the placement algorithm complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The algorithm applies specialized handling rules specifically for multi-row components during the row-by-row legalization process. This local quality approach ensures that multi-row components are positioned to minimize fabrication errors and meet design rules, without requiring the entire algorithm to become excessively complex.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples described herein provide a computer-implemented method that includes receiving a desired location for a new component to be added to an existing circuit design having a plurality of existing components arranged on a plurality of rows. The method further includes identifying an overlap between the desired location for the new component and an existing location of at least one of the plurality of existing components. The method further includes repositioning the at least one of the plurality of existing components on a row-by-row basis to accommodate the new component at the desired location. The method further includes generating, based on the repositioning, a modified circuit design that includes the new component located at the desired location. The method further includes causing a circuit to be fabricated using the modified circuit design that includes the plurality of existing components and the new component without overlap of components.