Macro Cell Alignment via Virtual Power Grid
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Solution Overview
Problem
In integrated circuit (IC) design, ensuring a continuous and aligned internal power and ground grid between macro cells is challenging, as existing methods lack automation and precision, leading to inefficient power connections and potential alignment issues.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to generate a virtual power grid based on the parameters of a reference macro cell, allowing for automatic alignment of other macro cells, ensuring consistent pitch and orientation, thereby facilitating a continuous internal power grid across the IC design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual alignment methods are used for macro cell power grids, then flexibility in design modification is maintained, but alignment precision and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment operations with an automated computer-based system that uses virtual grid generation and automatic displacement calculation to achieve precise macro cell alignment, eliminating human error and improving consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically calculates and applies displacement parameters to macro cells based on virtual grid coordinates, transforming the alignment process from manual positioning to parameter-driven automated adjustment, thereby achieving higher precision
2Productivity
If automated alignment is implemented, then alignment efficiency and precision are improved, but design flexibility and ease of modification deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a virtual copy of the power grid as a reference framework, allowing automated alignment calculations to be performed on the virtual model before applying changes to the actual macro cell layout, thus maintaining design flexibility while achieving automation
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual power grid serves as an intermediary between the designer's intent and the automated alignment process, enabling both automated efficiency and design control by allowing designers to define virtual grid parameters that reflect their alignment preferences
3Stability of the object's composition
If inconsistent power grid patterns are used across macro cells, then individual macro cell design freedom is maintained, but continuous power grid formation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual power grid provides a universal reference framework that can accommodate different macro cell types and designs while ensuring consistent alignment patterns, allowing the system to maintain both individual design freedom and overall grid continuity
Solution Approach 2:
The system enforces homogeneous alignment patterns across all macro cells by calculating displacements relative to a common virtual grid, ensuring that power grid connections are consistent and continuous throughout the integrated circuit design
Data Source
AI summary
In a particular embodiment, a method is disclosed that includes detecting a first pitch between at least two lines (e.g. a power line and a ground line) of a first reference macro. The method also includes generating a virtual grid based on the first pitch and aligning at least a second macro to the virtual grid.