Application-Specific Logic Cell Libraries for Complex Boolean Patterns
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional integrated circuit design environments rely on generic and simple logic functions, which are inadequate for complex logic functions often found in specific application domains, leading to inefficient design processes and large cell libraries that are difficult to maintain.
Innovation Solution
A method to define a library of application-domain-specific logic cells by identifying and implementing non-standard complex Boolean logic functions derived from recurring patterns in integrated circuit designs, resulting in a smaller, targeted cell library that simplifies design and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If generic and simple logic functions are used in cell libraries, then the library is universally applicable and easy to manufacture, but complex application-domain-specific functions cannot be efficiently implemented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cell library into two distinct categories: simple generic functions (AND, OR, NOT, etc.) and complex application-domain-specific functions (AOI, OAI, etc.). This segmentation allows the library to maintain universal applicability through simple functions while efficiently supporting complex applications through domain-specific functions, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dynamic approach where the cell library composition is not fixed but can be adapted based on application requirements. By identifying recurring logic patterns in application domains and creating corresponding complex cells, the library dynamically adjusts its complexity level to match the specific needs of different applications, thereby achieving both universality and domain-specific optimization.
2Reliability
If complex AOI functions are custom designed at transistor level, then application-specific performance is improved, but design time and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining complex application-domain-specific logic functions (such as AOI and OAI) as standardized cells in the cell library. These complex functions are designed and verified in advance, so that when applications require them, designers can directly instantiate these pre-designed cells rather than custom-designing them at the transistor level. This preliminary preparation maintains application-specific performance while significantly reducing design time and manufacturing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standard cell libraries with 500-1000 generic cells are used, then comprehensive logic coverage is achieved, but library size and maintenance burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the most frequently used complex logic functions (AOI, OAI, and their variants) from the larger set of generic cells. By creating a focused subset of complex application-domain-specific cells that cover the majority of common logic patterns, the library achieves comprehensive coverage for typical applications while reducing the overall cell count from 500-1000 to a more manageable size, thereby reducing maintenance burden.
4Productivity
If regularity extraction techniques are used for datapath optimization, then repeating structures are simplified, but techniques fail for general and random logic applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal cell library that serves multiple functions: it contains simple generic cells for random logic applications, complex domain-specific cells for regular datapath optimization, and pattern-matching capabilities that work across both regular and irregular logic structures. This multi-functional library design allows the same library to effectively support both regular circuits with repeating structures and general/random logic applications, resolving the limitation of regulation extraction techniques.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides in one aspect a method of defining a logic cell library composed of complex functions and simple functions, with some of the complex functions obtained from identifying logic function patterns. In another aspect the present invention provides a method of designing a representation of an integrated circuit that uses complex functions and simple functions, with the complex functions including a plurality of non-standard complex Boolean logic functions that are determined to collectively provide for logic pattern minimization.