Image Sensor Design Models for Parallel Layout and Circuit Development
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity of semiconductor device design, particularly image sensors, leads to higher time and cost burdens due to sequential design stages that do not allow simultaneous development of analog and digital elements.
Innovation Solution
A computing system with multiple processors and modules (layout, circuit, test, and process design) generates independent design models for image sensors, enabling parallel and automated design stages using machine learning and statistical methods to reduce time and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If sequential design stages are used for image sensor development, then design complexity is managed through structured progression, but design time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The design process is divided into independent stages (analog element design, digital element design, layout design, test design, and process design), each handled by separate modules that can operate in parallel. This segmentation allows complex design tasks to be managed through structured progression while reducing overall design time through concurrent execution of independent stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically generating design models for multiple stages before finalization. The model generation module creates preliminary designs for analog elements, digital elements, layouts, tests, and processes that can be refined simultaneously, reducing the time required for iterative design revisions.
2Device complexity
If sequential design stages are used for image sensor development, then design structure is maintained, but development cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The design process is divided into independent stages (analog element design, digital element design, layout design, test design, and process design), each handled by separate modules that can operate in parallel. This segmentation allows complex design tasks to be managed through structured progression while reducing overall design time through concurrent execution of independent stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temporal parameter of design execution from sequential to parallel across multiple stages. By enabling concurrent design of analog elements, digital elements, layouts, tests, and processes, the system maintains structured design progression while significantly reducing the total development timeline and associated costs.
3Ease of operation
If analog and digital element design are performed sequentially, then design methodology is simplified, but simultaneous optimization is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The design process is divided into independent stages (analog element design, digital element design, layout design, test design, and process design), each handled by separate modules that can operate in parallel. This segmentation allows complex design tasks to be managed through structured progression while reducing overall design time through concurrent execution of independent stages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically generating design models for multiple stages before finalization. The model generation module creates preliminary designs for analog elements, digital elements, layouts, tests, and processes that can be refined simultaneously, reducing the time required for iterative design revisions.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing system including at least one processor, and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium electrically connected to the at least one processor and storing a command executed by the at least one processor, where when the command is executed through the at least one processor, the command causes the at least one processor to: obtain a target product specification information describing a target image sensor, generate a design element based on the target product specification information, and generate, using a model generation module, a design model of the target image sensor based on the target product specification information and the design element, wherein the design model includes at least one of a layout model, a circuit model, a test model, or a process model of the target image sensor.