IC Layout Shape Generation via Mathematical Equations

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing IC design and manufacturing process is hindered by manual efforts in creating circuit layout elements, such as defining shapes of various layout elements, which results in inefficiencies, large file sizes, and the need for frequent quality checks due to shape distortion when snapped to different manufacturing grids.

Innovation Solution

The use of mathematical equations and software code to generate shape vertex lists automatically, eliminating the need for manually drawn shapes or pre-defined vertex lists, allows for the creation of shapes based on design parameters, reducing file sizes and minimizing shape distortion issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual efforts are used to define shapes of layout elements, then flexibility in shape design is maintained, but productivity is reduced and file sizes increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayout creation efficiencyVSAvoidmanual shape definition complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical shape definition with an automated computer-based system that generates shape vertex lists from mathematical equations. This substitution eliminates manual drawing operations and transforms the mechanical process of shape creation into an automated computational process, thereby improving productivity while reducing the complexity of manual shape definition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameters of shape definition from manual coordinate specification to mathematical equation-based generation. By using equations with adjustable parameters, the system can generate various shapes automatically, improving productivity and reducing file sizes while maintaining design flexibility through parameter modification rather than manual redrawing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If pre-defined vertex lists are used for shapes, then shape creation is simplified, but file sizes increase and shape distortion occurs when snapped to different manufacturing grids

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshape creation simplicityVSAvoidshape accuracy on manufacturing grid

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of storing and snapping pre-defined vertex lists with an automated equation-based generation system. This system calculates vertex coordinates on-the-fly based on mathematical equations and manufacturing grid parameters, eliminating shape distortion issues while maintaining ease of operation through automated generation rather than manual vertex specification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamics into the shape definition process by using equations that can adapt to different manufacturing grids. Instead of static pre-defined vertex lists, the system dynamically generates vertex coordinates based on the specific manufacturing grid parameters, ensuring shapes remain accurate and undistorted across different grids while simplifying the creation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If manual quality checks are performed for shape distortion, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshape accuracyVSAvoidquality check duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual quality checking with automated verification embedded in the equation-based shape generation process. The system inherently ensures manufacturing precision by calculating vertices directly from mathematical equations that account for manufacturing grid parameters, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual quality checks while maintaining accurate shape representation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service quality assurance where the equation-based generation system automatically ensures shape accuracy without requiring external manual verification. The mathematical equations inherently produce grid-aligned vertices, making the system self-verifying and eliminating the time loss associated with manual quality checks while maintaining manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250139346A1Integrated circuit layout shapes

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO LTD

AI summary

A method for creating a layout element includes receiving an integrated circuit (IC) layout pattern that includes a shape corresponding to a component of the layout pattern. A mathematical definition of the shape is retrieved from a shape database, and parameter inputs regarding characteristics of the shape are received. A vertex listing is created based on the mathematical definition of the shape and the parameter inputs, and a layout element is created based on the vertex listing.