OP3 Algorithm Suite for Automated Probe Point and Net Cut Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining optimal locations for probe points, net cuts, and net joins on silicon devices are manual, time-consuming, and require significant effort from both circuit designers and layout engineers, lacking an automated interface to streamline circuit analysis and debugging.
Innovation Solution
The OP3 algorithm suite provides automated algorithms for finding optimal locations on a chip for probe points, net cuts, and net joins, allowing users to input preferences and constraints to bias the search, utilizing design data to suggest the best positions for these edits while maintaining logic design integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual methods are used to determine optimal locations for probe points, net cuts, and net joins, then circuit designers and layout engineers can identify suitable locations, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires significant manual effort
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automated self-evaluation of circuit layouts to identify optimal probe points, net cuts, and net joins without requiring manual intervention from designers or engineers. The algorithm automatically analyzes the circuit schematic and physical layout to determine suitability of locations, eliminating the time-consuming manual process while maintaining accurate identification of suitable edit locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of designers and engineers reviewing circuit layouts is replaced by an automated computer-based algorithm. The system substitutes human analysis with computational algorithms that automatically evaluate circuit schematics and physical layouts to identify optimal locations for FIB edits, dramatically reducing the time required while maintaining or improving accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If manual interface between circuit schematic and physical layout is used, then communication between circuit designers and layout engineers can occur, but the process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an automated algorithm as an intermediary between the circuit schematic and physical layout. This intermediary automatically processes both representations and identifies corresponding locations without requiring direct communication or manual coordination between designers and layout engineers, significantly simplifying the interface process and reducing turnaround time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically performing the interface function between circuit schematic and physical layout without requiring human operators to manually coordinate. The algorithm independently analyzes both representations and identifies optimal locations, eliminating the difficult and time-consuming manual communication process between different personnel.
3Productivity
If automated algorithms are implemented for finding optimal edit locations, then manual effort is reduced and turnaround time decreases, but the system requires development of complex algorithms and user interface
Solution Approach 1:
The automated algorithm system is designed to perform multiple functions: analyzing circuit schematics, evaluating physical layouts, identifying probe points, determining net cuts, and locating net joins. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate tools and processes into a single unified system, improving productivity while managing complexity through integration rather than proliferation of separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
Enhanced algorithms are provided for finding circuit edit locations which utilize automated conversions from circuit schematic to physical layout design. The enhanced algorithms further include a user interface enabling the user to provide preferences, limitations, and constraints in order to bias the search to be conducted, as well as using the provided design data in order to locate the best positions for particular edit schemes, including net cuts and net joins.