Power Mesh Management for Macro Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing automatic placement and routing (APR) tools for integrated circuit design face challenges in effectively managing power meshes for macro blocks, leading to issues such as the formation of wall-like structures by vias and limited flexibility in routing due to overlapping power lines, which hinder the reduction of resistance and flexibility in circuit design.
Innovation Solution
The APR tool defines a power mesh layout where partial power supplying lines that overlap with macro block power lines are removed or shifted, preventing the formation of wall-like structures and allowing for improved via placement, thereby increasing design flexibility and reducing resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the APR tool places power mesh lines overlapping with macro block power supplying lines, then the power mesh density is increased, but wall-like structures are formed by vias which block routing flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the conflicting power mesh lines that would overlap with macro block power supplying lines in parallel directions. By taking out these specific lines that cause wall-like via structures, the routing flexibility is preserved while maintaining power mesh density through alternative perpendicular connections
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional overlapping power lines to three-dimensional via placement strategies. By utilizing vertical via connections and alternative layer routing, the power mesh maintains its density function without creating blocking wall-like structures in the horizontal plane
2Reliability
If vias are placed at overlapping areas of power lines to reduce resistance, then the electrical connection is improved, but wall-like structures are formed that block other conducting wires
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by selectively placing vias only in areas where they do not create wall-like blocking structures. Instead of uniform via placement at all overlapping areas, the solution tailors via locations to local routing requirements, maintaining electrical connection reliability while avoiding routing blockages
3Extent of automation
If the APR tool uses regular management for power routing, then the automation is improved, but detailed management requires manual adjustments by designers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining routing rules that identify and remove power mesh lines conflicting with macro block power supplying lines before automated placement. This preliminary configuration enables the APR tool to automatically generate optimized power mesh layouts without requiring subsequent manual adjustments
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a power mesh management method utilized in an integrated IC. The integrated circuit includes a macro block including at least a macro block power supplying line growing along a first direction. The management method includes: defining a plurality of first power supplying lines located in a metal layer above the macro block, wherein each of the first supplying lines grows along the first direction; defining a plurality of second power supplying lines located in another metal layer above the macro block, wherein each of the second supplying lines grows along a second direction; defining a partial power supplying line from the plurality of first power supplying lines where the partial power supplying line overlaps the macro block power supplying line; and removing the partial power supplying line from the plurality of first power supplying lines.