Latch Array Layout Using Polysilicon Common-Signal Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the design of complex functional blocks for System on a Chip (SoC), existing automated software design tools often fail to meet performance and area goals, particularly in radio frequency blocks where precise transistor matching is required, and in cases where the complexity exceeds the capabilities of standard cell libraries.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a latch array function on an integrated circuit with a common control signal shared among standard cells, where the control signal is uni-directionally connected using polysilicon as the conductive material, allowing for precise alignment and routing to achieve desired performance and area optimizations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated software design tools are used to implement functional blocks, then design productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates because automated tools cannot achieve the precise transistor matching required in radio frequency blocks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the functional block into two parts: a manually designed core section containing precisely matched transistors for RF performance, and surrounding areas implemented with automated tools. This segmentation allows the critical precision section to be hand-crafted while maintaining overall design productivity through automation of non-critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different design approaches to different parts of the functional block. The RF-critical section receives manual design attention for precise transistor matching, while other sections use automated design tools. This localized application of design quality ensures precision where needed without sacrificing overall productivity.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual design is used for radio frequency blocks requiring precise transistor matching, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to careful crafting of mask design artwork
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mask design process into manual crafting for critical RF sections and automated generation for other sections. This reduces the overall complexity of mask design by limiting manual intervention to only where precision is critical, while automated tools handle the majority of the design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges manual design expertise with automated design tools in a hybrid approach. The manually designed precise sections are integrated with automatically generated sections, combining the advantages of both approaches while reducing the overall complexity compared to entirely manual design.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard cell libraries are used for complex functional blocks, then ease of manufacture is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates because standard cell libraries cannot meet performance goals for complex blocks operating at certain frequencies or within pre-determined power budgets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the functional block into a custom-designed core section that meets precise performance requirements and surrounding sections that use standard cell libraries. This segmentation allows the critical performance section to be optimized manually while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard cells for non-critical areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by using custom design approaches in specific local areas where performance precision is critical (such as RF sections with frequency or power constraints) while using standard cell libraries in other areas where ease of manufacture is more important. This localized customization resolves the contradiction between ease of manufacture and performance precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit for implementing latch array functions on an integrated circuit. Portions of the logic devices included in the implementation of the latch array functions that are controlled by a common signal, may be arranged in a particular alignment. A single layer uni-directionally conductive material may connect the common signal to the logic devices.