Parameterized Cell Evaluation with Continuous Updates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Circuit designers face difficulties in quickly and intuitively visualizing the effects of parameter changes on parameterized cells (Pcells) due to limitations in conventional software tools, which lack immediate validation of parameter value ranges and require frequent focus switching between parameter editing and graphic displays, leading to delayed identification of design issues.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing continuous parameter value updates, enabled by user-friendly graphical user interface widgets like spin boxes and sliders, allowing real-time evaluation and display of Pcell changes without losing visual focus, along with internal parameter checking and integration of design rule checkers and simulation tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional software tools are used for Pcell parameter editing, then parameter changes can be made, but the designer cannot quickly and intuitively visualize the effects of parameter changes due to lack of immediate validation and frequent focus switching

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisualization accuracy of parameter effectsVSAvoidtime for focus switching between parameter editing and graphic display

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the parameter editing form and the graphic display window into a unified interface where both are visible simultaneously. The parameter form is overlaid on the graphic display, allowing designers to edit parameters and view layout results without switching focus between separate windows or applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides immediate visual feedback by continuously updating the graphic display as parameters are modified. The layout geometry and circuit elements are dynamically redrawn to reflect parameter changes in real-time, allowing designers to intuitively see the effects of their modifications without delay.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If parameter value validation is not performed, then users have flexibility in setting parameter values, but unrealistic values may be provided without immediate invalidation, causing design problems to persist

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in parameter value settingVSAvoidvalidity of parameter values

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary validation of parameter values before they are applied to the Pcell design. The parameter form includes validation logic that checks whether entered values are realistic and符合 design rules, providing immediate feedback to the user about invalid inputs before they can cause design problems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If continuous parameter updates are implemented, then rapid evaluation and visualization of Pcell changes is enabled, but the system complexity increases due to integration of design rule checkers and simulation tools

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of Pcell evaluation and visualizationVSAvoidsystem integration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The unified parameter form serves multiple functions: it allows parameter input, performs validation, triggers continuous updates, and coordinates with design rule checkers and simulation tools. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise be separate systems into a single integrated interface, managing complexity through functional consolidation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9122834B1Method of using continuous parameter value updates to realize rapid Pcell evaluation

Publication Date: 2015.09.01 CADENCE DESIGN SYST INC

AI summary

A system, method, and computer program product for using continuous parameter value updates to rapidly evaluate parameterized cells in a design tool. Embodiments display parameters and corresponding parameter values of parameterized cells in a circuit design in a GUI, adjust parameter values according to user input, evaluate the parameterized cell, and present results of the evaluating in the GUI during the displaying. Parameters influence circuit layout, circuit schematics, or simulation settings. Parameter values include current, minimum, maximum, and increment values. Parameterized cells may be individual cell instances, submaster cells, or master cells. Embodiments integrate validation tools and detect design rule check violations, assertion violations, invalid parameter values, and evaluation errors, and responsively generate user error alerts and selectively disallow further adjusting. Embodiments generate test circuits, each using a parameter value from a permutation of the adjusted parameter values.