Localized Routing Direction for Multilayer Circuit Design

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current circuit design routing methods are limited by the need for manual adjustment of preferred routing directions, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, especially in complex designs with high-pin count devices and length limitations, and do not efficiently adapt to local routing conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method that tessellates the available space into separate tiles and automatically defines preferred local routing directions for each tile based on user-specified constraints, such as user-designated flows and etch keep-out areas, allowing for dynamic adjustment of routing directions without requiring manual override.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual adjustment of preferred routing directions is used, then routing can be controlled to meet design constraints, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting accuracyVSAvoidrouting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The router automatically determines local preferred routing directions by analyzing design constraints such as pin locations, length limitations, and etch keep-out areas. The system performs self-adjustment without requiring manual intervention, thereby reducing time consumption while maintaining routing accuracy through algorithmic optimization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes routing parameters (preferred directions) based on local design conditions. By computing optimal directions algorithmically rather than using fixed manual settings, the router adapts to varying constraints across different regions of the circuit board, improving both efficiency and accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If fixed preferred routing directions are used for each layer, then routing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to local routing conditions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting simplicityVSAvoidlocal adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements localized preferred routing directions for different regions of the circuit board rather than uniform global directions. Each local area can have customized preferred directions based on its specific constraints (pin locations, length limits, keep-out areas), enabling the routing system to adapt to local conditions while maintaining overall simplicity through automated computation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The preferred routing directions are made dynamic rather than static. The system computes and adjusts preferred directions based on local design conditions, allowing the routing parameters to change adaptively across different regions while maintaining a systematic approach through algorithmic determination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If manual override of preferred directions is required, then routing precision can be improved, but device complexity and operation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting precisionVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The router performs self-optimization by automatically determining local preferred routing directions based on design constraints. This eliminates the need for manual override operations while achieving high routing precision through algorithmic analysis of pin locations, length limitations, and etch keep-out areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the router analyzes design constraints and automatically adjusts preferred routing directions accordingly. This closed-loop approach ensures routing precision is achieved through systematic computation rather than manual intervention, simplifying operation while maintaining high precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8250514B1Localized routing direction

Publication Date: 2012.08.21 CADENCE DESIGN SYST INC

AI summary

A routing method for a multilayer circuit design layout that has a set of possible preferred local routing directions and a default preferred routing direction for each layer. The method receives a set of user specified constraints on routing directions for particular regions of the design layout. The method tessellates the available routing space into separate tiles and automatically defines a preferred local routing direction for each tile based on the user specified constraints. The set of user specified constraints includes user designated flows, locked etches, “etch keep-out” areas, user “planned” data, etc. A routing method for a multilayer design layout that receives a first set of user specified preferred routing directions for particular regions of the multilayer design layout. The method tessellates the available routing space into separate tiles and automatically defines a second preferred local routing direction for each tile based on the user specified preferred routing directions.