Non-Uniform Track Pattern Assignment for 14nm Layout Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional layout track patterns with uniform pitches fail to meet the needs of 14 nm and below layout designs, requiring region-based and non-uniform track patterns, which poses challenges for interactive layout editing and chip placement.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for interactively implementing physical electronic designs with track patterns, allowing users to define and assign non-uniform track patterns to regions, automatically snapping boundaries to strip lines, and dynamically modifying track patterns based on physical implementation and component characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional uniform track patterns are used, then layout editing is simple, but manufacturing precision for 14 nm and below designs is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the layout area into multiple regions, each with its own track pattern characteristics. This segmentation allows different parts of the design to have optimized track configurations suitable for 14 nm and below manufacturing processes, resolving the contradiction between maintaining simplicity and achieving high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements non-uniform track patterns where different regions have different track densities, pitches, and orientations based on local routing requirements. This local quality approach enables high manufacturing precision in critical areas while maintaining manageable complexity through regional specialization.
2Manufacturing precision
If non-uniform track patterns are implemented, then layout accuracy improves, but interactive editing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic track patterns that can be automatically adjusted during interactive editing based on routing requirements and design constraints. The system provides real-time feedback and automatic snap-to-track functionality, making interactive editing of non-uniform patterns as easy as uniform patterns while maintaining high layout accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic track pattern generation and optimization algorithms that reduce the manual effort required for interactive editing. The tool automatically adjusts track parameters, performs conflict detection, and suggests optimizations, allowing designers to benefit from non-uniform patterns without bearing the full complexity burden.
3Adaptability or versatility
If region-based track patterns are used, then design flexibility increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal track pattern system that can handle both uniform and non-uniform patterns through a single framework. The region-based approach with standardized data structures and processing algorithms provides design flexibility for diverse routing requirements while maintaining system simplicity through unified management and consistent interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
Some aspects enable users to interactively define a region in an electronic design, identify or generate a track pattern, and assign the track pattern to the region for subsequent physical implementation for the region. Another aspect interactively represents various results on a display apparatus using one or more distinguishing representation schemes. Another aspect is directed at interactive editing a component of an electronic design having track patterns by iteratively modifying a set of track patterns to reach a reduced set of track patterns and by automatically snapping the component to active track(s) in the reduced set for the physical implementation.