Semiconductor Layout UI with Pseudo Code for Generator Development

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Solution Overview

Problem

The process of developing a generator for automatically generating a semiconductor layout is complex due to the need for intricate coding and memorizing numerous layout object names, especially in deep hierarchical structures, which increases design time.

Innovation Solution

A user interface method and operation device that display interaction buttons for generating pseudo code based on user interactions in a layout view, allowing designers to convert layouts into generators without memorizing object names, and support hierarchical structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a generator is used to automatically generate layout, then design efficiency is improved and circuits of various sizes can be quickly designed, but the process of developing the generator itself becomes complex requiring intricate coding and memorization of numerous layout object names

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign efficiencyVSAvoidgenerator development complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary tool that acts as a mediator between the designer and the complex generator development process. This tool automatically generates layout objects and their corresponding code based on simple parameter inputs, eliminating the need for designers to directly handle complex coding and object name memorization while still enabling generator-based automated layout generation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing the generator development process to automatically generate necessary code and layout objects based on high-level parameters provided by the designer. The tool serves itself by automatically creating the complex structures needed without requiring manual intervention in the coding process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If designers access layout object data by memorizing object names, then direct access to data is achieved, but design time increases significantly especially in deep hierarchical structures where many object names must be memorized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata access easeVSAvoiddesign time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically generates layout objects and their corresponding code representations based on simple parameter inputs from the designer. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for designers to manually create complex code structures or memorize numerous object names, significantly reducing design time while maintaining ease of data access

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The tool creates copies of layout objects with automatically generated code representations that can be directly used in generator development. Instead of requiring designers to work with complex original objects and memorize their names, the system generates simplified copies that preserve the necessary data access functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentEP4708107A1User interface method of semiconductor design program, and computing device
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 POSTECH ACADEMY INDUSTRY FOUNDATION
  • EP4708107A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4708107A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4708107A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Provided is a user interface method of a program for converting a layout of a semiconductor into a generator, the user interface method including displaying, by a terminal performing the program, an interaction button for displaying an interaction to be performed by a user in a layout view and an expression view, the layout view displaying a layout of a semiconductor being converted into a generator, and displaying, by the terminal, pseudo code matching the user's interaction on an expression window of the expression view when the user clicks the interaction button.