Multiple Height Cell Sub-Cell Segmentation for IC Layout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuits face limitations in design flexibility and integration due to the presence of unused regions in multiple height cells, which reduce the degree of freedom and increase the size of the circuit.
Innovation Solution
The integration circuit design includes multiple height cells arranged in sub-cell units with internal connections, eliminating unused regions and allowing for flexible arrangement of sub-cells across rows, thereby increasing design freedom and integration efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple height cells are arranged in traditional configurations, then design flexibility is maintained, but unused regions increase circuit size and reduce integration density
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple height cell is divided into sub-cell units (first sub-cell and second sub-cell) that can be independently arranged and connected. This segmentation allows the cell to adapt to different row configurations while eliminating unused regions, thereby reducing circuit size without sacrificing design flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces internal connection patterns that connect conductive patterns across different rows (first row and second row) vertically. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows sub-cells to be distributed across multiple rows while maintaining electrical connectivity, eliminating the need for continuous unused regions and improving integration density.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple height cells are used to provide design flexibility, then the degree of freedom increases, but unused regions reduce integration efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple height cell structure with sub-cell units and internal connections serves multiple functions: it provides design flexibility for different row configurations, eliminates unused regions to improve integration density, and maintains electrical connectivity across rows. This multi-functional design simultaneously achieves both degree of freedom and integration efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal connection patterns ensure continuous electrical connectivity between sub-cells across different rows, eliminating gaps or unused regions. This continuous useful action maximizes the utilization of the cell area, improving integration efficiency while maintaining design flexibility through various arrangement options.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional cell arrangements are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but design integration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the multiple height cell into standardized sub-cell units with defined internal connections, the patent enables modular manufacturing processes. The segmented structure can be manufactured using standard photolithography and etching techniques while achieving complex integrated designs, thus maintaining manufacturing simplicity despite enhanced design integration capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit includes a standard cell continuously arranged on a first row and on a second row, the first row and second row extending parallel with each other in a first direction, the first row and the second row adjacent to each other in a second direction crossing the first direction, a first cell separator contacting a first row boundary of the standard cell on the first row and extending in the second direction, and a second cell separator contacting a second row boundary of the standard cell on the second row and extending in the second direction. The first cell separator and the second cell separator are discontinuous on a first row to second row boundary of the first row and the second row.