Rules Patterns on Grid for EDA Design Rule Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Electronic Design Automation (EDA) Computer Aided Design (CAD) tools face challenges in comprehending and supporting complex design rules for advanced process nodes due to their limitations in handling multiple neighboring objects, leading to reduced design capabilities and increased design turn-around-time, as existing standards like OpenDFM fail to keep pace with evolving process technologies.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of Rules Patterns on Grid (RPG) provides a unified interface for complex design rules, allowing CAD tools to define arbitrarily complex patterns and convert rules into Boolean satisfiability solvers, decoupling them from process rules and enabling full support of new process nodes without the need for re-writing tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing CAD tools use traditional pairwise relationship models for design rules, then the tools can comprehend basic rules, but they cannot handle complex rules involving multiple neighboring objects at advanced process nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex design rule verification problem into discrete grid-based patterns. Instead of attempting to model all pairwise relationships simultaneously, the methodology divides the layout space into grid cells and defines rules as patterns of objects relative to these grids, making complex multi-object rules manageable and computationally tractable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary representation layer between the physical layout and the rule verification logic. By converting design rules into a standardized grid-based pattern language, it creates a mediator that translates complex geometric relationships into a form that CAD tools can efficiently process, bridging the gap between physical design and rule checking.
2Adaptability or versatility
If CAD tools are heavily customized to support each generation of process rules, then the tools can comprehend specific rules, but the customization effort increases significantly with each new process node
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal grid-based pattern language that can represent design rules across different process nodes and technology generations. This universal framework allows a single CAD tool implementation to handle multiple process rules without requiring extensive customization for each new node, as the grid-based approach scales to accommodate evolving design requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic adaptation to new process rules by allowing the grid parameters, pattern definitions, and rule configurations to be updated without changing the core tool architecture. When new process nodes are introduced, the system can dynamically adjust grid resolutions, pattern complexities, and rule sets to match the new requirements.
3Ease of operation
If CAD tools dumb down process capabilities to remain comprehensible, then the tools remain easier to use, but the design capabilities are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The grid-based pattern language serves as an intermediary that shields users from the complexity of advanced process rules while preserving full design capability. Users interact with intuitive grid and pattern concepts rather than complex geometric constraints, maintaining ease of use while the underlying system handles sophisticated multi-object relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates simplified abstract representations (grid cells and patterns) that copy or represent the essential features of complex physical design rules. These abstracted models retain the critical constraints and relationships needed for accurate verification while being much simpler for users to understand and manipulate.
4Ease of manufacture
If standards like OpenDFM are used for design rule verification, then there is a standardized approach, but the standards cannot keep up with evolving process technologies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic rule representation system where grid-based patterns can be easily reconfigured for new process technologies. Unlike static standards that require formal updates, the grid approach allows rapid adaptation by simply modifying pattern definitions and grid parameters to match emerging process node requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting design rules into discrete grid-based patterns, the patent creates a modular system that can be selectively updated and extended. New process-specific rules can be added as additional patterns without affecting the core verification framework, allowing the system to evolve alongside process technologies while maintaining standardized verification principles.
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a machine-readable storage media having one or more machine executable instructions stored there on that when executed cause one or more processors to perform an operation comprising: define properties of a layout grid, wherein the layout grid provides a three dimensional (3D) space for organizing a plurality of objects on the layout grid; and define rules for the plurality of objects, wherein the rules define a relationship between the plurality of objects with reference to the defined properties of the layout grid.