Non-rectangular Standard Cell Layout for PPA Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing integrated circuit (IC) design technologies face challenges in optimizing power, performance, and area (PPA) metrics due to the limitations of rectangular standard cells, which result in wasted space and longer internal routing elements.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of non-rectangular standard cells with adjacent rows of unequal widths, based on differing numbers of gate regions spaced according to a gate region pitch, allows for improved PPA metrics by eliminating unused spaces and shortening internal routing elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If rectangular standard cells are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but area is wasted and routing elements become longer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by transitioning from traditional rectangular standard cells to non-rectangular cells with unequal width adjacent rows. This asymmetric configuration eliminates unused spaces that exist in rectangular designs, thereby reducing the total cell area while maintaining functional requirements. The unequal row widths are strategically designed to match the actual placement needs of circuit components, removing the wasted space that occurs when forcing components into rectangular boundaries.
2Length of moving object
If rectangular standard cells are used, then design simplicity is maintained, but internal routing elements become longer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the width of adjacent rows within the standard cell to match the local routing requirements. Instead of using a uniform rectangular structure, each row's width is locally optimized based on the specific circuit components and routing paths that need to be accommodated. This local adaptation reduces routing element lengths in critical areas without requiring complete redesign of the entire cell structure, thus balancing the trade-off between routing efficiency and design complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes arranging first and second rows of gate regions in a cell. The first row has a first width extending from first to last gate regions and equal to a first multiple of a gate region pitch. The second row has a second width extending from first to last gate regions and equal to a second multiple of the gate region pitch greater than the first multiple. The method includes defining first through fourth cell border segments by extending the first and second segments along the first and last gate regions of the first row, and extending the third and fourth segments along the first and last gate regions of the second row, whereby the border is non-rectangular based on one or both of the first and third segments or the second and fourth segments being unaligned with each other, and storing the cell in a storage device.