Multi-directional I/O Cell Layout for Thin Gate Oxide Transistors
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing design of semiconductor integrated circuit I/O circuitry faces photolithographic challenges due to the need for transistors with different gate oxide thicknesses, requiring complex layout designs for vertical and horizontal orientations, leading to inefficiencies in transistor placement and connectivity.
Innovation Solution
A multi-directional plug-in layout with a square perimeter and transistors oriented in a single common direction, featuring connection pins that can be oriented in two directions to support both vertical and horizontal orientations, allowing for a single layout design to accommodate different block orientations while maintaining connectivity to the core circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If transistors with different gate oxide thicknesses are used to support multiple power supply voltages, then the I/O circuit can operate at both lower and higher supply voltages, but the layout design becomes complex requiring separate designs for vertical and horizontal orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal layout design that can be used for both vertical and horizontal orientations by incorporating transistors with different gate oxide thicknesses in a standardized configuration. The layout includes a first region with thin gate oxide transistors and a second region with thick gate oxide transistors arranged in a pattern that works for both orientation types, eliminating the need for separate layout designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the I/O circuit into distinct regions: a first region containing transistors with thin gate oxides and a second region containing transistors with thick gate oxides. This segmentation allows each region to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining a unified layout structure that supports both vertical and horizontal orientations.
2Reliability
If separate layout designs are created for vertical and horizontal orientations, then connectivity requirements are met, but area usage becomes inefficient and design process becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent develops a single universal layout design that serves both vertical and horizontal orientation requirements. By arranging the thin and thick gate oxide transistor regions in a specific pattern with connection pins positioned at corners, the same layout can be rotated or oriented in different directions while maintaining all necessary connectivity, thereby reducing area usage and design complexity.
3Ease of operation
If connection pins are oriented in specific directions to match transistor orientation, then connectivity is simplified, but the layout cannot accommodate different block orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions connection pins at the corner regions of the I/O block rather than orienting them along the edges. This asymmetric placement allows the pins to maintain their connectivity function while the entire block can be rotated or oriented in different directions. The corner positioning provides rotational symmetry that accommodates both vertical and horizontal orientations without requiring different pin arrangements.
Data Source
AI summary
An input/output circuit layout has a first section in which first transistors having a thicker gate oxide are located and a second section in which second transistors having a thinner gate oxide are located. Due to process technology constraints, the gates of all of the second transistors are oriented in a single common direction. The second section has a perimeter having a square shape including a first edge and a second edge adjacent to the first edge. First connection pins coupled to the second transistors are provided with an orientation that extends inwardly from and perpendicular to the first edge. Second connection pins coupled to the second transistors are provided with an orientation that extends inwardly from and perpendicular to said second edge. The square shape and presence of pins on adjacent first and second edges permits rotation of the second section to fit within different orientations of the layout.