Interactive Skew Group Analysis for IC Clock Tree Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional EDA applications face challenges in navigating and adjusting the timing of clock signals in complex clock trees, as they require intensive computation and are difficult to modify manually, leading to tedious and error-prone processes in identifying and optimizing skew groups within clock tree diagrams.
Innovation Solution
An interactive graphical user interface (GUI) system that allows designers to view and manipulate skew groups in clock trees, providing a grouped and physical view of clock sinks, enabling granular analytics and adjustments, with features like color coding and expanded views to facilitate precise timing control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional EDA applications are used for skew group analysis, then computation is performed, but the process becomes intensive and error-prone with difficulty in manual modification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the clock tree into hierarchical groups (super-skew groups and skew groups) that can be independently analyzed and manipulated. This segmentation allows designers to work with manageable subsets of the clock tree rather than the entire structure, reducing computational intensity while maintaining ease of operation through targeted analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the skew group analysis by organizing clock sinks into multiple levels of grouping (super-skew groups containing skew groups). This dimensional organization transforms the flat, complex computation problem into a structured, multi-level analysis that reduces computational burden while improving operational ease.
2Measurement precision
If detailed analysis of clock trees is performed, then timing accuracy is improved, but the process becomes tedious and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary organization of clock sinks into hierarchical skew groups before detailed timing analysis. This preliminary action structures the data in advance, enabling more efficient and accurate subsequent analysis while reducing the tediousness of manual processing by having the system pre-organize the complex clock tree structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hierarchical skew group structure acts as an intermediary between the raw clock tree data and the detailed timing analysis. This intermediate organization layer simplifies the analysis process by grouping related clock sinks together, improving both timing accuracy through systematic analysis and productivity by reducing manual effort.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment of clock skew is attempted, then control is possible, but the process is tedious and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic, interactive adjustment capabilities where designers can selectively modify skew groups at different hierarchical levels. This dynamic approach allows flexible control of clock skew while maintaining operational simplicity by enabling targeted adjustments rather than requiring comprehensive manual tuning of the entire clock tree.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the clock tree into hierarchical skew groups, the patent enables controlled adjustment of specific groups independently. This segmentation provides adaptability for precise control while maintaining ease of operation by allowing designers to work with manageable segments rather than the entire complex clock tree structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure address systems, methods, and a user interface for providing interactive skew group visualizations for integrated circuit (IC) design. The method includes causing display of a user interface that includes a display of a grouped view of a clock-tree including a plurality of skew group indicators. The method further includes receiving a user selection of a skew group indicator and updating the user interface to display a detailed view of the skew group including a graphical representation of each clock sink in the skew group and corresponding timing information. The method further includes receiving a second user selection of a first clock sink and in response, the display is updated to display an indicator of a physical location of the first clock sink within the clock tree.