PDN Decoupling Capacitor S-Parameter Modeling for Fast Impedance Analysis

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for analyzing power distribution networks (PDNs) in semiconductor devices are processing time and resource intensive, leading to increased manufacturing costs due to the need for full simulation each time decoupling capacitor parameters are changed.

Innovation Solution

The use of S-parameter models to analyze PDNs by determining and combining S-parameter models for circuit elements, including decoupling capacitors, to generate an impedance profile, reducing processing time and resource usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If full simulation of the PDN is performed each time a decoupling capacitor parameter is changed, then the accuracy of PDN analysis is improved, but the processing time and processing power increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePDN analysis accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-calculates and stores S-parameter models for various decoupling capacitor configurations before actual PDN analysis. When analyzing a PDN, the system retrieves pre-computed S-parameters corresponding to the selected capacitor parameters and combines them with the rest of the PDN model, avoiding the need to perform full simulation each time parameters change. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces processing time while maintaining analysis accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses S-parameter models that represent simplified copies or equivalents of the actual decoupling capacitor circuits. These S-parameter models capture the essential electrical characteristics without requiring full-featured circuit simulation. By working with these compact models instead of complete circuit representations, the system achieves accurate PDN analysis with dramatically reduced computational resources and time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If full simulation of the PDN is performed each time a decoupling capacitor parameter is changed, then the accuracy of PDN analysis is improved, but the processing power requirements increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePDN analysis accuracyVSAvoidprocessing power

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-calculates and stores S-parameter models for various decoupling capacitor configurations before actual PDN analysis. When analyzing a PDN, the system retrieves pre-computed S-parameters corresponding to the selected capacitor parameters and combines them with the rest of the PDN model, avoiding the need to perform full simulation each time parameters change. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces processing time while maintaining analysis accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses S-parameter models that represent simplified copies or equivalents of the actual decoupling capacitor circuits. These S-parameter models capture the essential electrical characteristics without requiring full-featured circuit simulation. By working with these compact models instead of complete circuit representations, the system achieves accurate PDN analysis with dramatically reduced computational resources and time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If multiple decoupling capacitor configurations are evaluated during design, then the optimization of PDN performance is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases due to repeated full simulations

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePDN performance optimizationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-calculates and stores S-parameter models for various decoupling capacitor configurations before actual PDN analysis. When analyzing a PDN, the system retrieves pre-computed S-parameters corresponding to the selected capacitor parameters and combines them with the rest of the PDN model, avoiding the need to perform full simulation each time parameters change. This preliminary preparation significantly reduces processing time while maintaining analysis accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses S-parameter models that represent simplified copies or equivalents of the actual decoupling capacitor circuits. These S-parameter models capture the essential electrical characteristics without requiring full-featured circuit simulation. By working with these compact models instead of complete circuit representations, the system achieves accurate PDN analysis with dramatically reduced computational resources and time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS12536359B2Decoupling capacitor parameter determination for a power distribution network

Publication Date: 2026.01.27 XILINX INC

AI summary

A circuit analysis system performs a method for analyzing a power distribution network by determining a first S-parameter model for a first circuit element of the power distribution network. The first circuit element includes first ports that are coupled to first decoupling capacitors. Each of the first decoupling capacitors is associated with a respective first decoupling capacitor S-parameter model. The first S-parameter model is combined with one or more of the first decoupling capacitor S-parameter models to generate a combined S-parameter model for the power distribution network. Further, an impedance profile for the power distribution network is determined based on the combined S-parameter model.