Context-Specific Spare Cell Assignment for Semiconductor ECOs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor device designs often lack the appropriate types of spare cells in certain areas, making it difficult to implement complex Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) due to uneven distribution of logic cell types.
Innovation Solution
A method for contextual based spare cell assignment, where spare cells are positioned in reserved areas based on the population of adjacent cell types, ensuring a minimum number of each type is present to support various logic functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pre-determined types of spare cells are inserted to cover the entire floorplan database, then the spare cells can be used for late ECOs and metal-only fixes, but the right type of cells is not available in many cases to implement complex ECOs in certain parts of the design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by determining spare cell types based on the population of cell types in adjacent areas. Instead of uniformly distributing spare cells across the entire floorplan, the system analyzes the local cell distribution in each area and assigns spare cells that match the specific needs of that region, making the spare cell distribution adaptive to local requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by determining the types of spare cells to be positioned in spare cell areas based on the population of cell types in predetermined areas before the actual placement. This advance planning ensures that the correct types of spare cells are available in the right locations before ECOs need to be implemented.
2Quantity of substance
If spare cells are uniformly distributed across the floorplan, then coverage is provided for the entire design, but certain areas lack the specific cell types needed for their local logic functions
Solution Approach 1:
The system determines the types of spare cells for each spare cell area based on the population of cell types in the adjacent predetermined area. This ensures that each location receives spare cells that are locally appropriate for implementing ECOs in that specific region, rather than using a uniform distribution approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback by analyzing the population of cell types in predetermined areas and using this information to determine the appropriate spare cell types for adjacent areas. This feedback loop ensures that spare cell allocation reflects the actual cell distribution patterns in the design.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a method may be directed towards contextual based spare cell assignment for integrated circuits. The method may include reserving a plurality of spare cell areas in which to position spare cells on an integrated circuit. The method may include positioning standard cells as defined by an integrated circuit design for the integrated circuit. In some embodiments, the method may include determining the spare cells to be positioned in the plurality of spare cell areas based upon a population of a plurality of types of cells in a predetermined area. The method may include ensuring that each of the plurality of spare cell areas may include a minimum number of predetermined cells. The method may include positioning a predetermined cell in at least one of the plurality of spare cell areas if the type of predetermined cells is absent in the population of areas adjacent to the predetermined area.