Parameterized Cell Manipulation in Custom Layout Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
IC designers face challenges in efficiently manipulating parameterized cells within EDA tools to achieve optimal circuit density and avoid design rule violations, leading to performance issues and errors in custom layout designs.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for manipulating parameterized cells by adjusting configurable attributes such as parameter mapping, port mapping, abutment, directional extension, and boundary layer capabilities, allowing for dynamic configuration and layout adjustments within EDA tools, utilizing a processor, display, and input device to generate new configurations for improved custom layout designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If manual and automated layout tools are used to maximize circuit density, then circuit density is improved, but design complexity and error introduction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic adjustment of configurable attributes (such as channel width, finger number, extension dimensions) of parameterized cells through parameter mapping capabilities. This allows designers to modify cell parameters directly without manual layout manipulation, thereby maintaining circuit density while reducing layout complexity and potential errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses parameterized cell instances that can be copied and configured with different parameters. Instead of manually manipulating each cell layout, designers work with parameter definitions that automatically generate and update the corresponding layout instances, reducing manual effort and errors while maintaining optimal density.
2Productivity
If parameterized cells are used to accelerate layout tasks, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation and control are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary layer of parameter mapping capabilities that bridge the gap between high-level parameter definitions and detailed layout configurations. This intermediary interface simplifies operation by allowing designers to control parameterized cells through intuitive parameter adjustments rather than complex layout manipulations, thereby maintaining ease of operation while preserving productivity benefits.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex shapes and devices are generated and edited within EDA tools, then design flexibility is improved, but design rule verification errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains design flexibility by allowing configuration of various cell parameters (channel width, length, number of fingers, extensions) while ensuring design rule compliance through automated parameter mapping. The parameter mapping capability automatically adjusts parameters to meet design rules, thereby maintaining flexibility while improving verification accuracy and reducing errors.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, apparatus and computer-implemented method for manipulating a parameterized cell device into a custom layout design. The method begins by receiving at least one parameterized cell representing a physical circuit from, for example, a database or configuration file. The parameterized cell has a plurality of configurable attributes. The method continues by adjusting one of the configurable attributes of the parameterized cell according to a capability associated with the one attribute. The attributes may include one or more of a parameter mapping capability, a port mapping capability, an abutment capability, a directional extension capability, a channel width capability, and a boundary layer capability. The method then calculates a new configuration for the parameterized cell based upon the adjustment, and applies the new configuration for the parameterized cell to a layout of the represented physical circuit.