Multi-Corner Static Timing Analysis Using Samples-Based Infrastructure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-corner static timing analysis (STA) is inefficient and computationally intensive due to the need for separate runs for each corner, especially in sub-65 nm technologies where process and environmental variations significantly impact timing performance, and it struggles to effectively address voltage and temperature variations.
Innovation Solution
A method for simultaneous multi-corner static timing analysis using samples-based infrastructure, which reads design data across multiple corners, performs operations like cell and net arc delay calculations, transparent latch analysis, and clock reconvergence pessimism removal, leveraging a single control flow and vectors of samples to generate timing reports efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate runs are performed for each timing corner, then timing analysis accuracy is improved, but computational resources and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple timing corner analyses into a single unified run by combining design data from multiple corners into a consolidated data structure. The timing analysis engine processes all corners simultaneously through shared control flow, eliminating the need for separate execution runs while maintaining accurate timing results for each corner.
Solution Approach 2:
The timing analysis infrastructure is designed with universal components that can handle multiple timing corners through a single control flow. The engine uses unified data structures and shared processing logic that work across all corners, allowing one infrastructure to serve multiple analysis functions simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple timing corners are analyzed simultaneously using separate tools, then comprehensive timing coverage is improved, but device complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple timing corner analyses into a single tool execution with unified control flow. By merging the analysis infrastructure and using shared processing components, the system achieves comprehensive multi-corner coverage without requiring multiple separate tool instances, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the timing analysis into distinct operational phases (setup analysis, hold analysis, false path detection) that can be executed sequentially within a single run. Each phase processes all timing corners through dedicated control flow paths, enabling comprehensive coverage while maintaining organized, manageable complexity.
3Loss of information
If timing results from multiple corners are merged after separate runs, then comprehensive timing reports are generated, but significant computational resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary consolidation of timing results during the main analysis execution rather than as a separate post-processing step. By preparing and organizing timing data for all corners during the unified run, the system eliminates the need for resource-intensive result merging operations after completion, reducing overall computational energy consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of performing simultaneous multi-corner static timing analysis (STA) on a design for an integrated circuit is provided. This method can include reading design data including a netlist, parasitics, and libraries at a plurality of corners. Each corner can represent a set of process, temperature, and voltage conditions. Using the design data as inputs, a plurality of operations can be performed to generate timing reports regarding the design at the plurality of corners. Notably, each operation has a single control flow and uses vectors of samples for performing the plurality of operations. Each sample is a value associated with a corner. This method minimizes computational resource and memory usage as well as accelerates the turn around time of multi-corner analysis.