Smart Pattern Capturing for Semiconductor Layout Fixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional EDA tools require multiple round-trips and significant data transfer between place and route tools and layout editors to address layout issues in semiconductor integrated circuit design, leading to inefficiencies in pattern matching and fixing processes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that includes modules for smart pattern capturing and layout fixing, allowing for the identification, analysis, and replacement of patterns within an electronic circuit design, using fuzzy pattern replacement and automatic fixing processes to improve the design without the need for extensive data transfer between modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple EDA applications operate on separate instances of the layout to perform verification, simulation, and routing functions, then each application can perform its designated functions independently, but multiple round-trips and large amounts of data transmission are required between computing nodes, leading to inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple EDA applications (layout editor, place and route tool, verification tool, simulation tool) into a single integrated computing node. This consolidation eliminates the need for multiple round-trips and large data transmissions between separate computing nodes, while preserving the functional independence of each application through modular architecture and shared access to the layout instance.
2Productivity
If a unified system is implemented to perform pattern identification, analysis, and replacement within a single computing node, then data transfer between modules is minimized and efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The unified system implements multi-functional modules that can perform multiple operations (pattern identification, analysis, replacement, verification, simulation) within a single computing node. This approach improves productivity by eliminating data transfer overhead while managing complexity through standardized interfaces and shared resources among the functional modules.
3Manufacturing precision
If fuzzy pattern replacement is used to automatically fix layout issues, then design quality is improved and manual intervention is reduced, but the complexity of the automatic fixing process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service capabilities through automated pattern recognition and fuzzy matching algorithms that can identify and fix layout issues without manual intervention. The system uses pattern databases and similarity metrics to automatically determine appropriate fixes, reducing the need for expert manual analysis while maintaining high design quality through systematic evaluation of multiple candidate solutions.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments are directed at methods and systems for implementing automatic fixing of a layout, implementing fuzzy pattern replacement, and implementing pattern capturing in a layout of an electronic circuit design. Various processes or modules comprise the act or module of identifying a first pattern from within an electronic circuit layout. The processes or modules also comprise identifying a fixing process or a replacement pattern for the first pattern and the act of performing pattern replacement or pattern fixing on the first pattern. The processes or modules may further comprise the act or module of searching the layout for patterns that match the first pattern, and the act or module of performing pattern replacement of pattern fixing on the patterns that match the first pattern. Some embodiments are also directed at articles of manufacture embodying a sequence of instructions for implementing the processes described here.