Automated IC Routing Workflow for Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for routing physical wiring on integrated circuit chips lack automation, leading to prolonged execution times, lack of control, non-standardized performance, and inconsistent results, requiring specific knowledge and experience, and often critical tasks are manually routed.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for automating the workflow of routing metal wiring structures on integrated circuits using a network of computing systems with a management and control engine that processes layout databases, auto-routes metal wiring segments, and performs analysis to ensure compliance with design rules and constraints, ultimately merging the results into a final layout database.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual routing methods are used for physical wiring on integrated circuit chips, then routing can be performed with existing tools, but execution time is prolonged and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The routing system performs self-verification through automated design rule checking and constraint validation. The computer automatically checks routing results against design rules without requiring manual intervention, enabling the system to self-correct and self-validate, thereby improving productivity while maintaining routing quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical routing operations with computer-automated routing algorithms. The system uses software-based routing engines that automatically generate wiring paths, replacing the mechanical process of manual wire placement with automated computational methods, significantly reducing execution time
2Manufacturing precision
If manual routing is performed by engineers, then routing can be customized based on experience, but performance is non-standardized and results are inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The system standardizes routing by transforming design requirements into precise computational parameters. Routing constraints, design rules, and performance criteria are converted into quantifiable parameters that the automated system can process consistently, eliminating variability introduced by manual operations while maintaining customization through parameter adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The automated routing system incorporates multiple functions including routing generation, design rule checking, constraint validation, and error detection within a single integrated platform. This multi-functional system provides standardized performance across different routing tasks while managing complexity through unified control mechanisms
3Ease of operation
If critical tasks are manually routed, then routing can be performed with existing capabilities, but specialized knowledge and experience are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-verification and self-validation for critical routing tasks through automated design rule checking. The computer automatically detects errors and validates routing results, eliminating the need for specialized human knowledge to perform routine verification tasks while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The automated routing system acts as an intermediary between design requirements and routing implementation. It translates high-level design specifications into detailed routing solutions, managing the complexity of critical tasks through intermediate computational processing that bridges the gap between simple operation and sophisticated routing logic
4Productivity
If automated routing is implemented, then execution time is reduced and productivity improves, but control and monitoring of the routing process become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated feedback mechanisms through design rule checking and constraint validation. Routing results are automatically checked against predefined rules, and error information is fed back to the routing engine for correction. This feedback loop provides control and monitoring capabilities that manage workflow complexity while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary setup by defining design rules, constraints, and validation criteria before routing execution. This preliminary configuration establishes control parameters in advance, enabling fast automated routing while simplifying monitoring through pre-defined checklists and validation frameworks
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implementable method, a computing system, and a non-transitory computer-readable medium for automating workflow for routing metal wiring structures on an integrated circuit. The method automates, monitors, and controls all tasks for an auto-routing workflow. The method retrieves the auto-routing rules definition from a centrally stored location for easy maintenance. The method allows entry of wiring auto-routing constraints. The method enables customization per the design application to control signal integrity affected by the intrinsic routing metallization parasitic. The virtual copy of the layout database allows the layout database preparation without modifying the actual project layout. The virtual copy is used as an input for the workflow system. The method keeps the project layout database up to date.