Standard Cell Row Layout With Mixed Heights for Compact IC Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor device designs face challenges in efficiently arranging standard cells with varying cell heights, which affects the overall height and complexity of the integrated circuit layout.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves arranging standard cells with mixed cell heights in a semiconductor device, where different rows of standard cells have distinct cell heights determined by the number and pitch of active and dummy fin structures, as well as metal wirings. This approach allows for a reduced total height along the column direction while maintaining the necessary circuit functionalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If standard cells with uniform cell heights are arranged in rows, then the layout structure is simple and regular, but the total height of the standard cell structure increases and design flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The standard cells are segmented into different row groups based on their cell heights. Each row group contains standard cells with the same cell height, allowing for systematic arrangement. This segmentation enables the layout to accommodate varying cell heights while maintaining organizational structure and reducing overall height through optimized row positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional uniform height arrangement to a two-dimensional arrangement where row positions are determined by cell height categories. By introducing the dimension of row grouping based on height, the layout optimizes space utilization and reduces total height while maintaining structural regularity through systematic row organization.
2Length of stationary object
If standard cells with mixed cell heights are arranged in rows, then the total height of the standard cell structure is reduced and design flexibility is enhanced, but the layout complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different row groups are assigned different cell heights based on local requirements. Each row group maintains uniform height within itself, but varies from other row groups. This local quality approach allows the layout to achieve compact overall height while maintaining simplicity within each local row group through consistent height assignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The cell height parameter is changed systematically across different row groups rather than being uniform throughout. By categorizing standard cells into discrete height groups and assigning them to specific rows, the patent reduces total height while managing layout complexity through parameter standardization within each group.
3Length of stationary object
If standard cells are arranged with optimized row positioning, then the total height is reduced, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring layout parameters increases
Solution Approach 1:
Within each row group, all standard cells are positioned at the same height level, creating equipotential rows. This approach simplifies measurement and detection within each row group while achieving overall height optimization through the hierarchical row group structure. The regular spacing between equipotential rows maintains measurability.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor device includes a plurality of standard cells. The plurality of standard cells include a first group of standard cells arranged in a first row extending in a row direction and a second group of standard cells arranged in a second row extending in the row direction. The first group of standard cells and the second group of standard cells are arranged in a column direction. A cell height of the first group of standard cells in the column direction is different from a cell height of the second group of standard cells in the column direction.