Heterogeneous Logic Cell Layout for Speed-Power Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The miniaturization of integrated circuits (ICs) has led to challenges in optimizing cell array designs for both high-speed and low-power consumption, with existing designs struggling to balance cell performance and power efficiency across different logic cells.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a semiconductor structure with logic cells of varying heights, where first logic cells with multiple-fin transistors are used in high-speed applications and second logic cells with single-fin transistors are used in non-speed-critical circuits, optimizing cell performance and power consumption by adjusting cell height and transistor fin numbers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If logic cells are miniaturized to reduce power consumption and increase functionality, then device density and power efficiency improve, but cell performance and speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing different cell heights within the same logic cell array. First logic cells have a first height suitable for high-speed applications, while second logic cells have a second height for low-power applications. This allows each cell type to be optimized for its specific function rather than using a uniform design, thereby resolving the contradiction between speed and power consumption at the system level.
Solution Approach 2:
The logic cell array is segmented into multiple types of logic cells with different heights and performance characteristics. By dividing the uniform cell array into heterogeneous cell types (first logic cells with multiple-fin transistors for high-speed, second logic cells with single-fin transistors for low-power), the system can selectively deploy appropriate cell types for different functional requirements, balancing overall power consumption and performance.
2Speed
If cell height is increased to improve logic cell performance for high-speed applications, then speed improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different cell heights are assigned to different logic cell types based on their performance requirements. First logic cells requiring high speed use a larger first height, while second logic cells prioritizing power efficiency use a smaller second height. This localized optimization allows the system to achieve high performance where needed without incurring power penalties across the entire array.
3Speed
If multiple-fin transistors are used in logic cells, then cell performance and speed improve, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transistor implementation is segmented into different configurations based on cell type. First logic cells use multiple-fin transistors for high-speed performance, while second logic cells use simpler single-fin transistors for low-power applications. This segmentation allows the system to manage complexity by applying sophisticated structures only where performance demands it, rather than uniformly across all cells.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple-fin transistor structures are applied locally only to first logic cells that require high-speed performance, while second logic cells use simpler single-fin structures. This localized application of complex structures optimizes performance-critical areas without unnecessarily increasing complexity and manufacturing difficulty across the entire logic cell array.
4Ease of manufacture
If uniform cell height is used across all logic cells, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but optimization for both high-speed and low-power applications is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The uniform cell array is segmented into heterogeneous cell types with different heights and transistor configurations. This segmentation enables the system to optimize for different application requirements (high-speed vs. low-power) while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process that can handle multiple cell types within the same array structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The logic cell array design achieves multi-functionality by incorporating different cell types that can serve different application needs within the same manufactured structure. The array can simultaneously support high-speed first logic cells and low-power second logic cells, making the overall system adaptable to various applications without requiring completely different manufacturing processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor structure includes a plurality of first logic cells having a first cell height, a plurality of second logic cells having a second cell height different than the first cell height, a plurality of third logic cells having the first cell height, and a plurality of metal lines parallel to each other in a metal layer. Each of the first logic cells includes a plurality of multiple-fin transistors. Each of the second logic cells includes a plurality of single-fin transistors. Each of the third logic cells includes a plurality of single-fin transistors. The first logic cells and the third logic cells are arranged in odd rows of a cell array, and the second logic cells are arranged in even rows of the cell array. The metal lines inside the first and third logic cells are wider than the metal lines inside the second logic cells.