Automated PDN Stitching for IC Package Schematic Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Design engineers face challenges in simulating integrated circuit (IC) designs across multiple design fabrics, including PCB and package designs, due to incompatibility of schematics and the need for manual creation of parasitic-aware simulation schematics, which is time-consuming and error-prone, especially when dealing with power distribution networks (PDN) that require manual translation and mapping of VDD/GND connections.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that generates a power distribution network (PDN) model based on IC or package schematics, identifies and shortens VDD/GND connections, and stitches the PDN model with the IC or package schematic to create a combined model for simulation, using processor-based operations to automate the process and improve accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual creation of parasitic-aware simulation schematics is performed, then simulation accuracy is improved, but time consumption and error rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automated actions by extracting parasitic models from layout data before simulation, automatically generating the parasitic-aware simulation schematic. This preliminary extraction and generation process eliminates the need for manual creation during the simulation setup phase, thereby maintaining accuracy while reducing time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically extracting parasitic models from layout geometries and stitching them into the simulation schematic without requiring manual intervention. The automated extraction process reads layout data, generates parasitic models, and integrates them into the simulation environment, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring manual parasitic-aware schematic creation.
2Measurement precision
If manual insertion of PDN models is performed, then power distribution accuracy is improved, but complexity of operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically identifying power and ground nets in the schematic, extracting corresponding PDN models from layout data, and stitching them into the simulation schematic. This automated process eliminates the manual complexity of tracking and mapping numerous power connections across hierarchical levels, while ensuring accurate power distribution modeling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the manual mechanical process of breaking, translating, and mapping VDD/GND connections with an automated computational process. The automated net identification and model stitching algorithms substitute the manual mechanical operations, reducing operational complexity while maintaining power distribution accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If complete PDN extraction is performed, then simulation accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the necessary parasitic models and PDN components from the complete layout data, separating them from the full design. This selective extraction process obtains the essential parasitic information needed for accurate simulation while excluding unnecessary details, thereby improving simulation accuracy without proportionally increasing model complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the complete PDN into manageable components that can be individually stitched into the simulation schematic. By dividing the complex PDN into discrete parasitic models corresponding to specific power nets and layout regions, the system maintains simulation accuracy while organizing the model complexity into structured, manageable segments.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include herein are directed towards a method for use in an electronic design environment is provided. The method may include providing, using at least one processor, an electronic circuit design including an integrated circuit (“IC”) or package schematic and generating a power distribution network (“PDN”) based upon at least in part, the electronic circuit design including the IC or package. The method may further include obtaining a PDN model having one or more port mappings between one or more layout terminals and one or more schematic pin-names and stitching the PDN model and the IC or package schematic into a combined PDN and IC or package schematic model. The method may also include simulating the combined PDN and IC or package schematic model using the at least one processor.