Programmable Logic IC Layout for Low-Inventory Custom Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and diversity of digital logic ICs lead to high inventory costs and delayed customer delivery due to the need for multiple specifications and large inventories, as traditional design methods are not financially feasible for generating new logic families and require extensive manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a family of digital logic ICs with standardized specifications and programmable digital logic transistor circuitry, using non-volatile memory and metal mask straps or fuses to select desired logic functions, allowing for efficient production and customization based on customer orders, reducing the number of distinct parts needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple logic families with different specifications are manufactured to meet diverse customer needs, then customer requirements are satisfied, but inventory costs increase and delivery time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single logic IC device that can perform multiple logic functions through reconfigurable interconnect structures. The interconnect framework allows the same physical device to be configured as different logic families (e.g., bipolar, CMOS, BiCMOS) with various specifications, eliminating the need to manufacture separate dedicated devices for each specification combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through reconfigurable interconnect structures that can change their connectivity patterns after manufacturing. The logic IC device can be dynamically reconfigured to provide different logic functions and specifications based on customer orders, transforming a static device into an adaptable platform that responds to varying requirements without requiring new manufacturing batches.
2Speed
If a large inventory of multiple logic ICs with different specifications is maintained to immediately fill customer orders, then delivery speed improves, but inventory costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reconfigurable logic IC serves as a universal platform that can be programmed to fulfill different customer orders. Instead of maintaining separate inventory for each logic family and specification, a single inventory of reconfigurable devices can be deployed to meet diverse requirements, dramatically reducing the total quantity of inventory needed while maintaining rapid order fulfillment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the logic IC device through reconfiguration of interconnect structures. By altering the connectivity and functional configuration of the same physical device, the system can adapt to different customer specifications without requiring physical replacement of components, thereby reducing inventory requirements while maintaining fast delivery capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional design methods are used to create new logic families, then specific logic functions are achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the logic IC device into functional modules including logic gates, interconnect structures, and configuration elements. This modular segmentation allows different combinations of modules to form various logic functions without requiring complete redesign of the entire device. The segmented architecture simplifies manufacturing by using standardized modules that can be systematically assembled through reconfiguration rather than complex custom manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic reconfigurability to replace static, dedicated logic family designs. Instead of manufacturing separate fixed-function devices for each logic family, a single dynamic platform with reconfigurable interconnects can assume multiple logic functions. This reduces manufacturing complexity by eliminating the need for multiple specialized production lines while maintaining the ability to provide diverse logic functions on demand.
Data Source
AI summary
A family of digital logic functions has the same specifications for input and output voltages and the same number of bond pads. A digital logic integrated circuit for the family includes a substrate of semiconductor material having a core area and a peripheral area; a certain number of bond pads formed in the peripheral area, the certain number of bond pads determining the total area of the substrate; programmable digital logic transistor circuitry formed in the core area for each of the digital logic functions in the family; programmable input and output circuitry formed in the peripheral area; programming circuitry for programming the programmable digital logic transistor circuitry into a selected digital logic function; and programmable input and output means for programming the input and output circuitry into input and output circuits for the selected digital logic function.