Automated Power Supply Network Design for Memory Macro Cells
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large-scale chip design, the complex design requirements for power supply networks with multiple power domains lead to time-consuming and error-prone manual calculations, making it necessary to automate the design process to ensure stability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method for designing a power supply network that involves identifying coordinates of memory macro cells, determining areas between them, and calculating metal wire arrangement parameters to automate the power supply network arrangement, simplifying the design process and improving accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual calculation methods are used for power supply network design, then design flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but design time increases and error rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual calculation methods with automated computer-based algorithms. The system uses software to automatically calculate power supply network parameters, determine wire routing, and generate design documents, eliminating the need for manual computations while improving both accuracy and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The design system performs self-calculation and self-verification of power supply network parameters. The automated algorithm independently determines optimal wire arrangements, calculates voltage drops, and validates design compliance without requiring external manual intervention, thereby reducing both time and potential human errors.
2Reliability
If complex design requirements for multiple power domains are manually processed, then design flexibility is maintained, but error rate increases and design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complex power supply network into multiple independent power domains, each with its own calculation and verification process. The system segments the chip into distinct regions (first area, second area, third area) and applies specific design rules to each segment, making the overall complex design manageable and reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adjusts key design parameters such as wire width, wire length, and material selection based on calculated power requirements and voltage drop constraints. By dynamically changing these parameters according to specific design requirements, the system ensures power supply stability while managing design complexity through algorithmic optimization.
3Productivity
If automated design methods are implemented, then design efficiency increases and error rate decreases, but calculation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated computer-based algorithms to replace manual design processes. The system uses software to perform complex calculations, generate wire routing patterns, and produce design documentation automatically, significantly improving design efficiency while managing calculation complexity through structured computational approaches.
4Loss of energy
If power gating technology is applied to memory macro cells, then power consumption is reduced, but power supply design requirements become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different design rules and parameters to different areas of the chip based on local requirements. Memory macro cells with power gating receive specialized power supply network designs with specific wire dimensions and routing patterns optimized for their unique power management needs, ensuring precise control over power delivery while maintaining overall system efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a power supply network design method and apparatus, and a storage medium. The method includes: identifying a coordinate of each memory macro cell in a power domain to be processed; determining a coordinate of a first area, a coordinate of each second area, and a coordinate of each third area according to the coordinate of the each memory macro cell; determining a first metal wire arrangement parameter in the first area according to a design requirement, determining a second metal wire arrangement parameter in each second area according to the coordinate of each second area, determining a third metal wire arrangement parameter in each third area according to the coordinate of each third area; performing a power supply network arrangement on the first area, each second area, and each third area according to the coordinate of the first area, the coordinate of each second area, the coordinate of each third area, and the corresponding first metal wire arrangement parameter, second metal wire arrangement parameter, and third metal wire arrangement parameter.