Power Mesh Arrangement for Multi-Domain ICs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional circuit design methods lack a straightforward approach for planning and designing power routing in integrated circuits with multiple power domains, relying on manual methods which are inefficient and complex, especially since existing tools like automatic placement and routing (APR) only support single power domains.
Innovation Solution
A power mesh arrangement method involving the formation of local and global power meshes, where local meshes are positioned according to specific power domains and coupled to a global mesh, providing distinct voltages and ground potentials to each domain, allowing for efficient power distribution across multiple power domains.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual routing method is used for power routing in multiple power domains, then design flexibility is maintained, but design efficiency and productivity are significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The power mesh is divided into multiple local power meshes, each corresponding to a specific power domain. Each local power mesh is independently formed according to the position of its associated power domain, and then coupled to the global power mesh. This segmentation allows automated tools to handle each domain separately while maintaining overall system integration, resolving the contradiction between design flexibility and productivity.
2Productivity
If automated placement and routing (APR) tool is used, then productivity is improved, but the tool cannot support circuits having multiple power domains
Solution Approach 1:
The global power mesh is designed to provide common power supply to multiple local power meshes representing different power domains. The global power mesh structure can simultaneously support multiple power domains by coupling to each local power mesh, enabling APR tools to handle multi-power domain circuits effectively while maintaining design efficiency.
3Device complexity
If local power meshes are coupled together without insulation, then power distribution is simplified, but electrical uncertainties occur
Solution Approach 1:
The global power mesh acts as an intermediary structure that couples to multiple local power meshes. Instead of directly coupling local power meshes to each other (which would cause electrical uncertainties), the global power mesh serves as a mediator that provides isolated yet interconnected power distribution to all local power meshes, maintaining both simplicity and electrical stability.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a power mesh arrangement method utilized in an integrated circuit having multiple power domains. The arrangement method includes: forming a first partial local power mesh according to a position of a first power domain; forming a second partial local power mesh according to a position of a second power domain; forming a global power mesh, utilized for providing powers needed by the first and the second power domains; coupling the first partial local power mesh to the global power mesh and the first power domain; and coupling the second partial local power mesh to the global power mesh and the second power domain.