Integrated Circuit Layout with Pin-Driven Dynamic Grids

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Solution Overview

Problem

Cell-based methodologies for integrated circuit design face limitations in circuit area and routing rules, particularly in DRAMs and logic circuits, leading to increased layout costs and decreased productivity.

Innovation Solution

A method for generating a layout of an integrated circuit that includes determining placement information of components, pin position information, and generating grid and routing information using dynamic grids based on pin positions, rather than static grids, to facilitate efficient layout generation across varying process technologies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If cell-based methodology is used for integrated circuit design, then design time and cost are reduced, but layout flexibility and adaptability to severe area/routing limitations deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign timeVSAvoidlayout flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transforming the static, fixed grid system into a dynamic one where grid intervals are automatically adjusted based on pin positions. The grid generation unit creates adaptive grids that change according to the specific layout requirements, allowing the cell-based methodology to flexibly adapt to severe area and routing limitations while maintaining design efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If standard library of cells is used, then design reusability is improved, but ability to meet specific area and routing conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign reusabilityVSAvoidarea and routing condition compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the grid interval parameters dynamically based on pin positions and routing requirements. The system adjusts grid parameters adaptively to meet specific area and routing conditions while maintaining the reusability of standard cell libraries, resolving the contradiction between standardization and customization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If layout is newly generated for each circuit, then specific circuit requirements are met, but layout cost increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit requirement complianceVSAvoidlayout cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by creating a multi-functional layout generation system that can handle both standard cell-based designs and custom layouts using the same adaptive grid framework. This allows the system to meet specific circuit requirements while maintaining productivity through reusable methodologies and automated grid adaptation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12455997B2Method for generating a layout of an integrated circuit

Publication Date: 2025.10.28 SK HYNIX INC

AI summary

Generating a layout of an integrated circuit having a plurality of components may be performed by generating placement information of the plurality of components; generating pin position information for pins of the plurality of components; generating grid information according to the pin position information; and generating routing information between two pins of the plurality of components using the grid information.