Interactive Cloning for Semiconductor Layout Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual placement, routing, and optimization of semiconductor circuit designs involving multiple occurrences of circuit elements, such as FETs, are time-consuming and inefficient, lacking automation in existing design layout systems.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based system with a user-friendly interface for cloning source layouts into target layouts, allowing users to select and apply source elements to multiple target elements within a schematic diagram, with automatic search, selection, and connectivity updates, enabling efficient generation of semiconductor design layouts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual placement, routing, and optimization is used for semiconductor circuit designs, then design flexibility and control are maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically identifying target elements that match the source layout connectivity pattern before the designer needs to create the layout. The automatic search and selection process prepares the candidate elements in advance, so when the designer applies the source layout, the matching is already done, eliminating time-consuming manual placement and routing work.
2Productivity
If automatic cloning and layout generation is implemented, then productivity is improved, but the complexity of the design layout system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system serves itself by automatically performing the search, identification, and matching operations without requiring external manual intervention for each step. The automatic cloning feature identifies target elements, matches connectivity patterns, and generates layout candidates autonomously, reducing the need for complex manual system configurations while maintaining high productivity.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple occurrences of circuit elements are handled individually, then design precision is maintained, but the design process becomes inefficient and repetitive
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates copies of the source layout and applies them to multiple target elements simultaneously. The automatic cloning feature generates identical layout instances for each matching target element, ensuring consistent design precision across all occurrences while eliminating repetitive manual work. The connectivity pattern matching ensures each copy is accurately adapted to its target.
4Reliability
If manual connectivity updates are performed for each target element, then connectivity accuracy is ensured, but the time required for design layout increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary connectivity analysis by automatically identifying target elements that match the source layout connectivity pattern before layout generation. The automatic search process pre-validates connectivity compatibility, so when the layout is generated and applied to multiple target elements, connectivity accuracy is maintained without requiring time-consuming manual updates for each element.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer system and corresponding process is disclosed for making a design layout based on a schematic diagram. The system comprises a user interface which includes a display of a schematic diagram of a layout to be designed. The schematic diagram includes multiple occurrences of a target element. Source elements are displayed, which correspond with the target element. One occurrence of multiple occurrences of the target element shown in the schematic diagram is selected. The source element is applied to the selected target element. A computer program product bears software for directing a computer system to perform the foregoing.