Real-time Layout Margin Analysis for Sub-ground-rule Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing design tools struggle to support the creation of electronic device layouts that do not conform to conventional ground rules, which can limit device performance and manufacturability.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for performing layout design that provides real-time design information, including dimensions, parasitics, and margin information related to ground rules, allowing for the creation of sub-ground-rule layouts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If layout conforms to ground rules, then manufacturability and reliability are ensured, but device performance advantages are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically changes the parameters displayed to the user based on the layout's compliance status. When a ground rule violation is detected, the system switches from displaying only compliant layouts to displaying both compliant and non-compliant layouts with their respective ground rule margin values, enabling designers to explore performance-optimized non-compliant layouts while maintaining awareness of manufacturability constraints.
2Adaptability or versatility
If sub-ground-rule layout is created for performance advantages, then device performance may be improved, but manufacturability and reliability risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides real-time feedback by calculating and displaying ground rule margin values for non-compliant layouts. This feedback mechanism allows designers to immediately see how much a proposed sub-ground-rule layout violates ground rules, enabling informed decisions about whether to proceed with performance-optimized designs that balance manufacturability risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculations of ground rule margin values during the layout design phase itself, rather than after completion. This allows designers to evaluate manufacturability implications before finalizing the layout, enabling proactive adjustments to maintain both performance and manufacturability.
3Manufacturing precision
If traditional layout tools are used, then ground rule compliance is enforced, but design flexibility and efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its behavior based on the layout compliance status. It can switch between enforcing ground rule compliance (when margin values indicate violations) and allowing non-compliant layouts (when margin values show acceptable violations). This dynamic approach replaces static, rigid compliance enforcement with a flexible system that adapts to design needs while maintaining manufacturability awareness.
Data Source
AI summary
Layout design for an electronic device may be performed by providing a representation of a first layout to a client and providing, in response to an input from the client, a collection of design information calculated according to the first layout to the client. The collection of design information may include a dimension extracted from the first layout, and may further include parasitics information related to the dimension, margin information related to a ground rule applicable to the dimension, or both. The collection of design information may be provided to the client as a real-time response to inputs received from the client. By providing the parasitics information, the margin information, or both to the client, the design of sub-ground-rule layouts may be performed in less time and using fewer resources than would otherwise be the case.