I/O Assignment Tool with Lock and Insertion Features
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designers face inefficiencies in manually reassigned input/output (I/O) signal-to-pin assignments during circuit design, as existing methods are tedious and lack a two-dimensional view of signal assignments, making it difficult to manage changes and adhere to layout and power segment constraints.
Innovation Solution
A graphical input/output assignment tool that allows users to manipulate signal-to-pin assignments through a two-dimensional interface, enabling locking, unlocking, grouping, and automatic rule verification to facilitate efficient reassignment and movement of signals while maintaining locked assignments and power segment integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual reassignment of I/O signals is performed, then signal-to-pin assignments can be changed, but the process becomes tedious and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic rule verification and enforcement without requiring manual intervention. When a signal is moved or inserted, the tool automatically checks compliance with design rules, verifies power segment constraints, and enforces locking status, eliminating the need for manual verification steps and reducing reassignment time
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes design rules, power segment definitions, and lock status for signals before the actual reassignment occurs. This preliminary configuration allows the automatic reassignment process to proceed efficiently by referencing pre-defined constraints rather than checking them manually during the reassignment process
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual reassignment is used, then signal assignments can be modified, but designers lack a two-dimensional view of signal-to-pin assignments
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from traditional linear or tabular signal assignment views to a two-dimensional graphical representation that displays signal-to-pin assignments on a chip layout. This dimensional change provides spatial context, showing exactly where signals are located on the chip and how they relate to physical pin locations, thereby preventing loss of spatial assignment information
3Adaptability or versatility
If I/O signals are moved to make room for new signals, then new signals can be inserted, but existing signal locations must be manually reassigned
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically handles the reassignment of existing signals when new signals are inserted. It identifies signals that need to be moved, checks their lock status, verifies compliance with design rules, and executes the reassignment automatically, eliminating the manual complexity of tracking and reassigning multiple existing signals
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures lock status for signals and establishes design rules before insertion occurs. This allows the automatic reassignment process to efficiently determine which signals can be moved and which must remain fixed, simplifying the overall insertion process by having all constraints pre-defined
4Reliability
If certain I/O assignments are locked to maintain existing locations, then board layout and power segment constraints are satisfied, but flexibility to move signals is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies lock status selectively to individual signals or groups of signals based on their specific requirements. Rather than locking all signals or none, the system allows designers to lock only those signals that must maintain fixed locations due to board layout or power segment constraints, while leaving other signals unlocked and movable, thereby maintaining both constraint compliance and flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operation for an input/output assignment tool is disclosed. The method generally includes the steps of (A) generating a graphic presentation to a user displaying (i) a circuit icon having a plurality of pin icons and (ii) a plurality of signal icons, (B) moving a first of the signal icons within the graphic presentation to a first of the pin icons in response to a move command from the user and (C) indicating an acceptance of an association between the first signal icon and the first pin icon in response to the association passing a rule.