IC Wiring Demand Ratio Estimation for Block Sizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing integrated circuit (IC) design processes face inefficiencies due to inaccurate estimation of wiring demands, leading to long development times and high manufacturing costs, as existing software tools fail to accurately assess the required wiring resources, resulting in either under- or over-estimation of wiring areas.
Innovation Solution
The method employs a novel approach using the H/V Demand Ratio to estimate wiring resources needed within design blocks, balancing design time and block size by determining the required wiring resources in horizontal and vertical dimensions, thereby optimizing block size and reducing the need for iterative design processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If existing software tools are used to estimate wiring demands, then the design process can proceed with automated tools, but the estimation accuracy of wiring area is poor leading to under- or over-estimation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing cell placement and routing resource evaluation before finalizing the block design. The system evaluates routing resources and determines wiring demand ratios in advance, allowing accurate wiring area estimation before the design is committed, thus avoiding both under- and over-estimation of wiring resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the evaluated routing resources and wiring demand ratio to adjust and optimize the block aspect ratio. The system continuously refines the wiring area estimation based on feedback from routing resource evaluation, improving estimation accuracy through iterative refinement.
2Measurement precision
If manual wiring area estimation is performed, then wiring resource accuracy can be improved, but engineering effort and development time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by automating the wiring demand ratio calculation and routing resource evaluation processes. The system performs these tasks automatically without requiring manual engineering effort, yet achieves accurate wiring area estimation, thus resolving the contradiction between accuracy and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by calculating the wiring demand ratio as a key parameter that drives the optimization of block aspect ratio and wiring area estimation. By changing and optimizing this parameter automatically, the system achieves both high accuracy and high productivity.
3Reliability
If wiring area is over-estimated, then sufficient wiring resources are available, but manufacturing cost increases and design iterations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by evaluating routing resources and determining accurate wiring demand ratios before finalizing the design. This preliminary evaluation ensures that sufficient wiring resources are allocated without over-estimation, thereby avoiding increased manufacturing costs and design iterations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the block aspect ratio parameter based on the wiring demand ratio to achieve accurate wiring area estimation. By precisely tuning this parameter, the system ensures sufficient wiring resources while minimizing manufacturing cost and avoiding unnecessary design iterations.
4Ease of manufacture
If wiring area is under-estimated, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the IC cannot be synthesized due to inadequate wiring resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously evaluating routing resources and adjusting the wiring area estimation based on the wiring demand ratio. This feedback mechanism ensures that adequate wiring resources are allocated to enable successful synthesis, while avoiding excessive wiring area that would increase manufacturing cost.
5Measurement precision
If design iterations are performed to correct wiring area estimation errors, then accuracy can be improved, but time-to-market increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing accurate wiring area estimation and routing resource evaluation before the design is finalized. By getting the wiring area correct in the preliminary stages, the system avoids time-consuming design iterations, thus improving both accuracy and reducing development time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses automated self-service tools to perform wiring demand ratio calculation and routing resource evaluation, eliminating the need for manual estimation and subsequent design iterations. This automated approach achieves high accuracy while minimizing development time.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer implemented method for designing an integrated circuit (IC) having dimensions along first and second directions, and comprising at least a first block is presented. The method includes evaluating a demand ratio for the first block, the demand ratio being reflective of a ratio of a conductive wiring demand along the first direction and a conductive wiring demand along the second direction, when the computer is invoked to evaluate the demand ratio for the first block. The method further includes creating one or more wiring reservation blocks in accordance with the demand ratio.