Spine Selection Mode for IC Layout Editing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current layout tools for integrated circuits lack assistance in selecting multiple logically related but physically independent database objects, leading to difficulties in editing and manipulating complex interconnect layouts, where users often inadvertently select only a single path segment instead of the entire interconnected path.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced that allows users to select a 'spine' of layout objects by defining a mode that identifies and groups all database objects of the same width, layer, and net, based on their connectivity and co-linearity, enabling the selection of logically distinct portions of the layout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user selects a point within the layout display, then the selection action is simple and quick, but only a single path segment object is selected instead of the entire interconnected path
Solution Approach 1:
The selection process is segmented into two levels: individual path segment objects and grouped spine objects. The system segments the interconnected path into multiple path segment objects stored in the database, while also providing a higher-level spine object that groups these segments together. This allows users to select either individual segments or entire interconnected paths based on their needs, resolving the contradiction between simple selection and complete selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The spine object acts as an intermediary between the user and the multiple path segment objects. When a user selects a point on the layout, the spine selection mode uses the spine object as a mediator to automatically identify and select all connected path segment objects that form the complete interconnected path, rather than requiring the user to manually select each segment or risking selection of only a single segment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If path segments are stored as separate database objects, then data structure flexibility and automatic routing capability are improved, but user selection and editing of entire paths becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple separate path segment objects into a unified spine object that represents the entire interconnected path. This spine object combines the individual segments while preserving their separate database object status, allowing the system to maintain data structure flexibility for automatic routing while providing a unified interface for user selection and editing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spine object serves multiple functions: it acts as a container for grouping path segments, provides a selectable entity for user interaction, maintains the individual segment objects for automatic routing operations, and enables both individual and collective editing capabilities. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between data structure flexibility and ease of path editing.
3Loss of information
If all electrically connected database objects are selected, then complete net selection is achieved, but unwanted objects may be included in complex interconnect configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The spine selection mode applies local quality by creating a focused selection that includes only the specific interconnected path segments that are collinear and continuously connected, rather than selecting all electrically connected objects in the entire net. This localized selection approach ensures completeness for the intended path while excluding unwanted objects, resolving the contradiction between selection completeness and selection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The selection behavior is made dynamic by introducing different selection modes: traditional selection that selects individual objects or all electrically connected objects, and the new spine selection mode that dynamically identifies and selects only the continuously connected collinear path segments. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different user needs, providing precise selection when working with complex interconnect configurations while maintaining the option for complete net selection when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, software, and systems implementing software provide for accepting a user's selection of a database object defining layout being displayed. The database objects can include objects defining paths and path segments. Automatic layout tools may be used in creating at least some of the objects. The user's selection begins a recursive process of automatically selecting additional database objects based on criteria designed to create an uninterrupted spine from database objects on a single interconnect layer, of the same width, and collectively arranged such that the spine has a first end and a second end, and can be traced from the first end to the second end without backtracking.