Master-Clone Block Timing Optimization via Instance-Specific Constraints
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional timing analysis methods for large circuit designs using master-clone blocks often rely on a single set of timing constraints for all instances, leading to suboptimal results due to the loss of non-trivial constraint features and convergence issues when different instances have conflicting timing constraints.
Innovation Solution
Implementing separate timing constraints for each instance of a master-clone block, using Synopsys Design Constraint (SDC) files or other file formats, to account for unique placement and connection conditions within the circuit design, allowing for concurrent optimization and improved timing analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single set of timing constraints is used for all instances of master-clone blocks, then the timing analysis process is simplified and convergence is easier to achieve, but the optimization quality deteriorates due to loss of non-trivial constraint features and inability to account for instance-specific placement and connection conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the timing constraints by creating separate constraint files for each instance of master-clone blocks. This allows each instance to have its own instance-specific timing constraints that reflect its unique placement and connection conditions, while still using the same master block structure. The segmentation enables accurate timing analysis without requiring a completely separate constraint management system for each instance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different timing constraint characteristics for different instances of the same master-clone block. Each instance can have localized timing requirements based on its specific placement and connections in the circuit, while maintaining consistency with the overall design through the master block structure. This ensures that timing analysis reflects the actual local conditions of each instance.
2Manufacturing precision
If separate timing constraints are applied to each instance of master-clone blocks, then the optimization quality and timing analysis accuracy are improved, but convergence issues arise when different instances have conflicting timing constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the timing analysis tool automatically detects conflicts between instance-specific timing constraints and adjusts them to ensure convergence. The system monitors the timing constraints for all instances, identifies conflicts, and applies automated adjustments while maintaining the integrity of the master block structure. This feedback loop ensures that separate timing constraints can be used without causing convergence failures.
3Reliability
If instance-specific timing constraints are used, then excessive delay is prevented and accurate timing analysis is ensured, but the device complexity and constraint management overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by creating instance-specific constraint files that are derived from a master constraint template. Each instance gets a copy of the base constraint structure with instance-specific parameters modified. This approach maintains accuracy by allowing custom constraints for each instance while reducing complexity through template-based generation and automated management of the constraint files.
Data Source
AI summary
Electronic design automation systems and methods are presented for top-down timing budget flow in master-clone scenarios. In some embodiments, different instances of a master-clone block within an integrated circuit design are associated with different constraint files. The different constraint files are based on the different connections of each instance with elements of the integrated circuit design as well as the shared structure of the master-clone block. A top-down timing budget flow may then be generated based on the differing constraint files, and the integrated circuit design may be modified based on this analysis prior to generation of physical devices based on the design.