Multi-Height Standard Cell Wells for Flexible Active Region Sizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard cells in integrated circuit (IC) design are limited by fixed cell heights, which restrict device size options and are inadequate for applications requiring wider or narrower active regions.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of standard cells with multi-size n-type and p-type wells allows for integration of standard cells with different well sizes within a standard cell block, enabling varied device active region sizes and accommodating different performance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standard cells use fixed cell heights with uniform n-type and p-type wells, then manufacturing process complexity is reduced and layout regularity is improved, but device size options are limited and adaptability to different performance requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the standard cell block into multiple types of standard cells, each with different cell heights and well configurations. This segmentation allows different device size options while maintaining overall layout regularity. Specifically, first standard cells have a first cell height with first n-type and p-type wells, while second standard cells have a second cell height with second n-type and p-type wells, enabling adaptation to different performance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different well sizes and cell heights to different standard cells based on their specific functional requirements. Certain devices require wider active regions for higher current driving, while other devices require narrower active regions for better leakage control. Each standard cell is locally optimized with appropriate well dimensions rather than using a uniform configuration throughout.
2Device complexity
If standard cells use fixed cell heights, then layout regularity and design simplicity are improved, but the ability to accommodate devices requiring wider or narrower active regions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic flexibility into the standard cell layout by allowing different cell heights and well configurations in different standard cells. This enables the layout to adapt dynamically to different device requirements - some cells use larger dimensions for high current applications, while others use smaller dimensions for low leakage applications, all within a unified standard cell framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal standard cell block that can accommodate multiple device types and size requirements. By defining different standard cell types with varying cell heights and well configurations, the system achieves multi-functionality where the same standard cell block can support both devices requiring wider active regions and devices requiring narrower active regions.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor structure includes first standard cells having first active regions formed over first alternating n-type and p-type wells, the first active regions and the first alternating n-type and p-type wells each extends lengthwise along a first direction, each of the first standard cells includes a first n-type well and a first p-type well; and second standard cells adjacent to the first standard cells, the second standard cells having second active regions formed over second alternating n-type and p-type wells, the second active regions and the second alternating n-type and p-type wells each extends lengthwise along the first direction, each of the second standard cells includes a second n-type well and a second p-type well. The first standard cells have a first cell height, the second standard cells have a second cell height, and the second cell height is greater than the first cell height.