Predictive Antenna Diode Insertion for Pre-Routing IC Macros
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current integrated circuit development lacks a method for predictively placing antenna diodes using computer software tools, relying on manual insertion which is inefficient due to unknown and changing routing topologies.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for predictive antenna diode insertion that determines the need for an antenna diode based on the area of the wire needed to connect internal pins to the furthest edge of a macro, using the length and width of the wire, without requiring knowledge of the routing topology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual antenna diode insertion is used, then antenna violations can be addressed, but the process is inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculation of wire area requirements before finalizing the routing topology. By determining the maximum possible wire area needed to connect internal pins to macro edges in advance, the system can predictively place antenna diodes before routing is complete, eliminating the need for manual insertion later in the design process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automated self-service by having the design tool automatically calculate wire areas, compare them against thresholds, and insert antenna diodes where needed without human intervention. The tool serves itself by identifying antenna violations and placing diodes based on predetermined criteria, replacing the manual designer role.
2Productivity
If automated predictive insertion is implemented, then efficiency improves, but complexity of the design tool increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the antenna diode insertion process into distinct automated steps: calculating wire area requirements, comparing against thresholds, identifying violations, and placing diodes. This segmentation allows each function to be handled by separate software modules, making the overall complex process manageable and maintainable through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter changes to automate the process - specifically, it calculates wire area parameters (length and width) and compares them against a threshold parameter. By changing from manual visual inspection to automated parameter calculation and comparison, the system achieves efficiency gains while managing complexity through mathematical rather than geometric reasoning.
3Measurement precision
If antenna diodes are inserted based on known routing topology, then accuracy is high, but routing topology is not yet available during design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculation of wire area requirements before finalizing the routing topology. By determining the maximum possible wire area needed to connect internal pins to macro edges in advance, the system can predictively place antenna diodes before routing is complete, eliminating the need to wait for routing information.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of determining antenna diode needs from routing topology (which is unavailable), the patent inverts the approach by calculating wire area requirements from the macro geometry and pin locations alone. This reverse engineering approach allows accurate prediction without requiring the routing information that would normally be needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include predictive antenna diode insertion. Aspects of the invention include obtaining a design of a macro, the design including an internal pin disposed on a first layer of the macro. Aspects of the invention also include determining a length of a wire needed to connect the internal pin to a furthest edge of the macro for each of two layers above the layer the internal pin. Aspects of the invention further include adding, to the design of the macro, an antenna diode to the internal pin based on the determination that an area of the wire needed exceeds a threshold value, wherein the area of the wire is based on the length and a width of the wire.