IC Power Distribution via Partitioned LDO Regulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
In integrated circuit (IC) design, existing power distribution methods often result in inefficient power supply arrangements, leading to suboptimal operation and increased power consumption due to the use of a single power group for all standard cells within a macro block, which can cause congestion and inefficiencies in chip layout.
Innovation Solution
The method involves dividing the macro block into partitions based on IR simulation results and inserting low drop out (LDO) regulators into each partition, providing independent supply voltages and using power isolation cells to separate power domains, allowing for flexible power management and reduced power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single power group is used for all standard cells within a macro block, then the power distribution structure is simple, but power consumption efficiency deteriorates and congestion occurs in chip layout
Solution Approach 1:
The macro block is divided into multiple partitions based on IR simulation results, with each partition receiving independent power supply through dedicated LDO regulators. This segmentation allows different power domains to be optimized independently, improving power consumption efficiency while managing complexity through systematic division.
Solution Approach 2:
Each partition is assigned its own LDO regulator to provide locally optimized power supply. This enables different power domains within the macro block to have tailored power characteristics suitable for their specific functional requirements, thereby improving overall power efficiency.
2Device complexity
If a single power group is used for all standard cells within a macro block, then the power distribution structure is simple, but congestion occurs in chip layout
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the macro block into multiple partitions with independent power domains, the power distribution network is segmented into smaller, more manageable units. This reduces congestion in the chip layout by distributing power routing across multiple localized paths rather than requiring a single extensive power network.
3Loss of energy
If LDO regulators are inserted into each partition, then power consumption efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The macro block is divided into multiple partitions based on IR simulation results, with each partition receiving independent power supply through dedicated LDO regulators. This segmentation allows different power domains to be optimized independently, improving power consumption efficiency while managing complexity through systematic division.
Solution Approach 2:
Each partition is assigned its own LDO regulator to provide locally optimized power supply. This enables different power domains within the macro block to have tailored power characteristics suitable for their specific functional requirements, thereby improving overall power efficiency.
4Reliability
If power isolation cells are inserted between partitions, then power domain separation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Power isolation cells are inserted between partitions to create electrically isolated power domains. This segmentation prevents noise and voltage fluctuations in one partition from affecting others, improving reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through structured isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
Power isolation cells act as intermediary elements between adjacent partitions, providing electrical isolation and preventing cross-contamination of power domains. These isolation cells serve as mediators that protect each partition's independent power supply while maintaining overall system functionality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables efficient power distribution by ensuring each partition operates with suitable supply voltage, reducing overall power consumption and eliminating power wastage, while also addressing congestion issues in chip layout.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of low drop out (LDO) regulators are inserted into the respective partitions. Each of the LDO voltage regulators provides an output voltage as a supply voltage of the standard cells of the corresponding partition
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of power isolation cells are inserted between the partitions
Data Source
AI summary
A method for distributing power in the layout of an integrated circuit is provided. The integrated circuit includes at least one macro block. A first physical layout of the macro block is obtained, wherein the macro block includes a plurality of standard cells. The first physical layout is divided into a plurality of partitions according to an IR simulation result of the first physical layout. A plurality of power isolation cells are inserted between the partitions. A second physical layout is obtained according to the partitions and the power isolation cells. A macro placement of the macro block is obtained according to the second physical layout. Each of the partitions further includes a low drop out (LDO) regulator.