Multi-Pitch Wire Routing in IC Design Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuit designs face inefficiencies when combining different wire pitches in a common routing channel, leading to suboptimal use of space and increased die size due to the conflicting requirements of current load and timing.
Innovation Solution
A method for routing wires in integrated circuits that involves selecting initial and alternating routing tracks with specific pitches, where the initial tracks have a minimum design width and the alternating tracks have a wider pitch, allowing for efficient use of space and performance optimization by adjusting wire widths and spacings to meet performance goals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If wider wire pitch is used for timing critical signal paths, then transmission speed is improved, but die size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different wire pitches to different routing tracks based on their specific functional requirements. Timing-critical signal paths are assigned wider pitch tracks for faster transmission, while non-critical paths use narrower pitch tracks to conserve space. This localized differentiation allows each region of the routing channel to have the appropriate wire pitch for its intended use, resolving the contradiction between speed and area.
2Area of stationary object
If narrower wire pitch is used to reduce die size, then area is reduced, but transmission speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The routing channel is segmented into multiple routing tracks with different wire pitches. By dividing the routing channel into distinct segments (tracks), the system can accommodate both wide-pitch and narrow-pitch wires within the same channel. This segmentation allows non-critical signal paths to use narrow-pitch tracks for area efficiency while critical paths use wide-pitch tracks for speed, resolving the contradiction between area reduction and speed maintenance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different wire pitches are combined in a common routing channel, then routing flexibility is improved, but space utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dimensional organization within the routing channel by creating multiple routing tracks arranged in a structured hierarchy. Tracks are organized by pitch width (e.g., wide-pitch tracks for critical signals, narrow-pitch tracks for non-critical signals), adding a dimensional layer to the routing architecture. This dimensional organization allows efficient packing of different pitch wires while maintaining flexibility, as the structured arrangement optimizes space utilization compared to random placement.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for routing wires in an integrated circuit includes defining an even number n of initial width routing tracks in a selected routing channel. The n initial routing tracks are separated by a substantially equal first separation distance from the other routing tracks, Vss and Vdd in the routing channel. The n initial width routing tracks and the first separation distance have an initial width about equal to the minimum design width. An odd number of routing tracks less than n are then selected, the odd number of routing tracks have a second pitch greater than the first pitch, assigning the odd number of routing tracks in the routing channel. A third routing pitch can be defined that is wider than the second routing pitch for alternating routing tracks at the odd number of routing tracks if needed. A wire routing system in an integrated circuit is also described.