Semiconductor Switch Cells Arranged on Circuit Block Sides
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Solution Overview
Problem
The external SW arrangement in semiconductor integrated circuits requires time and cost for designing and changing power supply switches due to the need for individual design of switch cells based on the position of MTCMOS switch blocks, and general transistors face challenges with changes in position affecting wiring and element connections, making it difficult to efficiently arrange and wire switches on all sides of a circuit block.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor integrated circuit with switch cells arranged on all four sides of a circuit block, featuring symmetrically arranged voltage, power, and control cell lines, allowing for easy mirror-inversion or rotation of switch patterns, enabling efficient design and wiring of switches using a method that forms switch cells and blocks in a matrix pattern with biaxial symmetry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If switch cells are individually designed based on position in external SW arrangement, then power supply control is achieved, but design time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit block is divided into multiple regions with power supply switches arranged on all four sides, allowing independent control of different segments. This segmentation enables localized power management while using standardized switch cell designs, reducing overall design complexity and time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a universal switch cell design that can be positioned on any side of the circuit block (top, bottom, left, right) with consistent wiring patterns. This multi-position universality eliminates the need for individualized designs for each position, significantly reducing design time and cost while maintaining reliable power supply control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If switches are arranged on all four sides of circuit block, then power supply control coverage is improved, but wiring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recognizes that different sides of the circuit block have asymmetric wiring requirements (e.g., top side connects to VDD, bottom to VSS). By designing switch cells that adapt to these asymmetric connections while maintaining internal symmetry, the solution achieves comprehensive power control coverage without excessive wiring complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of connecting power supply lines directly to the circuit block center, the patent inverts the approach by arranging switches on the periphery (all four sides) and having them control power delivery to internal regions. This inverted arrangement simplifies external wiring while maintaining internal power distribution efficiency.
3Area of moving object
If general transistors are used for power supply switches, then device area is reduced, but position changes affect wiring and connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses compact general transistor designs for power supply switches but provides each switch with locally optimized wiring connections based on its position. The switch transistor itself remains small and universal, while the surrounding wiring structure adapts to local position requirements, achieving both area efficiency and wiring ease.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor integrated circuit includes: a circuit block having a first power supply line to which one of a power supply voltage and a reference voltage is applied, an internal voltage line, and a circuit cell connected between the first power supply line and the internal voltage line; and a plurality of switch cells each including two voltage cell lines each connected electrically to the internal voltage line, two power cell lines each connected electrically to a second power supply line to which another of the power supply voltage and the reference voltage is applied, a control cell line electrically connected to a switch control line, and a transistor electrically connected between the internal voltage line and the second power supply line.