2D Chaining Layout Devices Using Schematic Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools are limited to generating one-dimensional chains of abutted layout devices, which is insufficient for maintaining signal integrity in photonic and radio frequency transmission lines that require two-dimensional arrangements.
Innovation Solution
The EDA system separates layout devices into sets based on type, such as photonic waveguides and RF transmission lines, and uses schematic orientation information to iteratively abut devices, forming two-dimensional chains while preserving angular orientation, using a center abutment direction to generate chains that maintain signal integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional EDA tools generate one-dimensional chains of abutted layout devices, then device footprint is reduced, but signal integrity is compromised for photonic and RF transmission lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional linear chains to two-dimensional chains by incorporating angular orientation information. Layout devices are arranged in multiple directions (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) based on their schematic orientations, allowing the chain to extend in two dimensions while maintaining abutment connectivity. This dimensional expansion resolves the contradiction by enabling both compact packing and proper signal propagation geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different arrangement strategies to different types of layout devices based on their specific requirements. Photonic waveguides, RF transmission lines, and other device types are processed separately with their own orientation constraints. Each device type maintains its local geometric quality requirements while contributing to the overall compact two-dimensional chain structure.
2Area of stationary object
If layout devices are packed closer together to reduce footprint, then area is reduced, but geometric propagation requirements are violated
Solution Approach 1:
By organizing devices in two-dimensional chains with specific angular orientations (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°), the patent maintains the geometric relationships required for proper light and RF wave propagation while achieving compact packing. The two-dimensional arrangement allows devices to be positioned at precise angles relative to each other, satisfying geometric propagation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary sorting of layout devices by type and predetermined angular orientation before the abutment process. Devices are grouped into sets based on their orientation requirements (e.g., all 0° devices together, all 45° devices together), ensuring that when abutment occurs, the geometric propagation requirements are already satisfied by the pre-arranged orientation sequence.
3Ease of manufacture
If linear one-dimensional chaining is used, then device packing is simplified, but complex signal propagation patterns cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the layout devices into separate sets based on their types and orientation requirements. Each set (e.g., photonic waveguides at 0°, RF transmission lines at 45°) is processed independently through the abutment algorithm. This segmentation maintains process simplicity for each segment while the collection of all segments achieves the complex two-dimensional pattern required for versatile signal propagation.
Solution Approach 2:
The transition to two-dimensional chaining with multiple angular orientations enables the system to accommodate complex signal propagation patterns. By allowing chains to extend in multiple directions rather than strictly linearly, the system can maintain the geometric relationships needed for different signal types while still using an automated abutment process.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are embodiments of systems, methods, and products that generate two dimensional chains of layout devices, by retrieving the schematic orientation of schematic devices in a symbolic view, and abutting the layout devices based on the schematic orientation such that the two dimensional chains of the layout devices maintain the schematic orientation. More specifically, EDA systems and methods disclosed herein may separate the layout devices into different sets, wherein each set may contain a particular type of layout devices. For example, a first set may contain photonic waveguides and a second set may contain radio frequency (RF) transmission lines. For each set of layout devices, the EDA systems and methods deterministically and iteratively traverse through the layout devices, abutting the devices using the schematic orientation, and creating one or more two dimensional chains of the layout devices.