Interface Modeling for Accurate IC Power Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for power analysis in integrated circuits are inaccurate due to the lack of consideration for electrical characteristics at interface portions, leading to underestimation of power consumption and subsequent analysis inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for generating an interface model that includes a connectivity database and electrical characteristics of signal nets across partitions, allowing for precise calculation of power consumption by determining slew rate, signal arrival time, capacitance load, and signal transitions, thereby accounting for interface properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing power analysis methods are used without considering interface characteristics, then the analysis process is simple and fast, but the power consumption estimation is inaccurate and underestimated
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated circuit design is divided into multiple partitions, and the interface model specifically models the interface portions between partitions. This segmentation allows the complex interface characteristics to be isolated and modeled separately, improving power estimation accuracy without requiring complete redesign of the entire analysis system.
Solution Approach 2:
An interface model is introduced as an intermediary component between partitions. This interface model captures electrical characteristics (slew rate, signal arrival time, capacitance load, signal transitions) that mediate the interaction between partitions, enabling accurate power consumption calculation at interfaces without complicating the overall analysis framework.
2Measurement precision
If interface characteristics are included in power analysis, then power consumption estimation accuracy is improved, but the computational complexity and analysis time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interface model is generated in advance during the power analysis process, capturing all necessary electrical characteristics (slew rate, signal arrival time, capacitance load, signal transitions) before actual power calculation. This preliminary modeling prevents repeated computations and reduces overall analysis time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The detailed interface modeling is applied locally only at interface portions between partitions, rather than throughout the entire circuit. This localized approach concentrates computational effort where it is most needed (at interfaces) while keeping the rest of the analysis efficient, thus improving accuracy without proportionally increasing total analysis time.
Data Source
AI summary
The present embodiments relate to generation of an interface model for performing a power analysis on a hierarchical integrated circuit design. According to some aspects, embodiments relate to a method of power analysis. The method can include partitioning an integrated circuit design into at least a first partition and a second partition sharing an interface with the first partition. The method can include generating a connectivity database of a signal net traversing from the first partition to the second partition across the first interface. The method can include determining a slew rate and a signal arrival time at the input pin of the destination cell, a capacitance load of the signal net, and one or more signal transitions and signal states on the signal net. The method can include calculating the power consumption of the circuit elements in the first partition using the connectivity database, and the determined information.