Pattern-Based Power-and-Ground Routing and Via Creation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional script-based approaches for power-and-ground (PG) net creation in integrated circuit design are becoming unmanageably complex due to increasing design size and complexity, requiring significant time and resources for modifications and turn-around-time, especially when circuit design floorplans are altered.
Innovation Solution
Pattern-based PG routing and via creation systems that use a pattern definition language to define hierarchical patterns and receive instantiation strategies for PG wire instantiation, including blockages and extension requirements, and via rules for intersecting metal layers, allowing for automated and efficient routing and via instantiation within IC design layouts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional script-based approaches are used to create PG nets by individually creating wire segments, then PG net routing can be achieved, but the script complexity becomes unmanageably complex and modification time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the PG net creation process into reusable pattern definitions and instantiation parameters. Instead of creating entire PG nets through complex monolithic scripts, the system divides the routing logic into modular patterns (e.g., standard cell patterns, macro patterns) that can be independently defined and instantiated multiple times with different parameters, dramatically reducing script complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements pattern instantiation that allows a single pattern definition to be copied and applied repeatedly across different locations in the circuit design. The pattern definition serves as a template that can be instantiated with different parameters (coordinates, layers, orientations) to generate multiple wire segments automatically, eliminating the need to manually script each segment
2Reliability
If conventional script-based approaches are used for PG net creation, then routing can be implemented, but the turn-around-time for modifying floorplans increases by several weeks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-defining routing patterns with all the logic for wire segment generation, via placement, and layer connections. When a floorplan modification occurs, the system only needs to instantiate these pre-defined patterns with new parameters rather than re-writing or re-validating the entire routing script, reducing modification time from weeks to minutes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by making pattern instantiation parameters adjustable and reusable. The same pattern definition can be dynamically instantiated with different coordinates, layers, and orientations based on the specific floorplan configuration, allowing the system to adapt to floorplan changes without re-writing routing logic
3Productivity
If dedicated teams of engineers are assigned to create and maintain PG routing scripts, then PG net creation can be performed, but resource consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal pattern definition system that can handle multiple types of PG routing scenarios (standard cells, macros, different layers, various orientations) through a single framework. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate specialized scripts for different routing cases, reducing the burden on engineering teams
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques for pattern-based power-and-ground (PG) routing and via rule based via creation are described. A pattern for routing PG wires can be received. Next, an instantiation strategy may be received, wherein the instantiation strategy specifies an area of an integrated circuit (IC) design layout where PG wires based on the pattern are to be instantiated and specifies one or more net identifiers that are to be assigned to the instantiated PG wires. The PG wires can be instantiated in the IC design layout based on the pattern and the instantiation strategy. Additionally, a set of via rules can be received, wherein each via rule specifies a type of via that is to be instantiated at an intersection between two PG wires that are in two different metal layers. Next, one or more vias can be instantiated in the IC design layout based on the set of via rules.