Layout Diagram Cell Group Constraint Violation Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor design processes face challenges in efficiently addressing constraint violations in layout diagrams without incurring excessive computational load or density reduction, particularly when dealing with groups of cells that violate horizontal or vertical constraint vectors.
Innovation Solution
The approach involves selectively moving specific cells within a group to avoid constraint violations, rather than applying brute force movements, thereby minimizing computational load and density reduction by targeting specific conditions based on required and current spacing gaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If brute force movements are applied to resolve constraint violations, then constraint violations are resolved, but computational load and density reduction increase excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively moving only specific cells that violate constraint vectors rather than applying brute force movements to all cells. The system identifies particular cells with spacing issues and moves only those cells, thereby resolving constraint violations while minimizing computational load and preserving layout density.
2Reliability
If brute force movements are applied to resolve constraint violations, then constraint violations are resolved, but density reduction increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively moving only specific cells that violate constraint vectors rather than applying brute force movements to all cells. The system identifies particular cells with spacing issues and moves only those cells, thereby resolving constraint violations while minimizing computational load and preserving layout density.
3Stability of the object's composition
If standardized characteristics of standard cells are maintained, then design consistency is preserved, but flexibility in resolving constraint violations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling selective movement of individual standard cells based on constraint violation conditions. While standard cells maintain their standardized characteristics and design consistency, the system dynamically identifies and moves only those cells that violate constraint vectors, providing flexibility in resolving constraints without compromising standard cell properties.
Data Source
AI summary
A method (of generating a layout diagram) includes identifying, in the layout diagram, a group of three or more cells arranged so as to exhibit two or more edge-pairs (EPs) that are edge-wise abutted relative to a first direction. The method further includes, for each of at least one but fewer than all of the three or more cells, selectively moving a given one of cells corresponding to one of the members of the corresponding EP resulting in at least a minimum gap in the first direction between the members of the corresponding EP.