Multiple-Height Standard Cell Layout for Routing and Drive Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits face challenges in reducing cell sizes while maintaining drive current capability and routing efficiency, as smaller cells increase routing complexity and require extended areas for more complicated structures.
Innovation Solution
The integration of multiple height cells with independent structures, where cells in adjacent rows share power lines and have active regions of different conductivity types, simplifies routing and enhances efficiency by allowing for varied cell configurations without compromising drive current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If cell sizes are reduced to improve integration density, then the degree of integration is improved, but drive current capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit is divided into multiple rows (first row, second row, third row) with cells distributed across these rows. The third cell continuously arranged in the first row and the second row spans multiple rows, creating a segmented layout that allows for improved current distribution while maintaining compact cell sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-row arrangement to a multi-row arrangement. The third cell continuously arranged in the first row and the second row utilizes the vertical dimension (row direction) to distribute current paths, effectively adding another dimension to the current distribution network and compensating for reduced drive current in individual smaller cells.
2Area of moving object
If cell sizes are reduced to improve integration density, then the degree of integration is improved, but routing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
Power lines are segmented into multiple rows (first power line in the first row, second power line in the second row). This segmentation distributes the routing load across multiple rows, reducing the complexity of routing within each individual cell while maintaining overall circuit connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The third cell continuously arranged in the first row and the second row acts as an intermediary that connects and shares power lines across multiple rows. This intermediary cell simplifies routing by providing a continuous path for power distribution, reducing the need for complex routing structures in individual cells.
3Power
If cells have more complicated structure to maintain drive current capability, then drive current capability is maintained, but cell area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The third cell continuously arranged in the first row and the second row merges with adjacent cells to share power lines. This merging allows the combined structure to maintain drive current capability through shared current paths, reducing the area required per individual cell while preserving overall current delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The third cell continuously arranged in the first row and the second row serves multiple functions: it provides power distribution across rows, acts as a current sharing structure, and maintains drive current capability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated structures, thereby reducing cell area while maintaining performance.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit includes a first cell arranged in a first row extending in a first horizontal direction, a second cell arranged in a second row adjacent to the first row, and a third cell continuously arranged in the first row and the second row. The first cell and the second cell comprise respective portions of a first power line extending in the first horizontal direction, and the third cell includes a second power line electrically connected to the first power line and extending in the first horizontal direction in the first row.