Standard Cell Layout With 2D Conductor Routing for Smaller ICs

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Solution Overview

Problem

The miniaturization of integrated circuits poses challenges in design and manufacturing, requiring stricter specifications and reliability, while existing electronic design automation tools struggle to optimize standard cell layout designs effectively.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a conductor extending in two directions, overlapping with contacts, gates, and conductive lines, provides additional routing resources, reducing area, enhancing flexibility, and improving performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional routing methods are used in standard cell layout, then design simplicity is maintained, but routing flexibility and area efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverouting flexibilityVSAvoidstandard cell area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The conductor is configured to extend in two directions (first direction and second direction perpendicular to the first direction) within the standard cell layout. This two-dimensional conductor structure enables routing connections in multiple directions, significantly improving routing flexibility while maintaining area efficiency by utilizing spatial dimensions more effectively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a routing element for signal transmission, provides structural support within the standard cell, and enables connections to multiple contacts (first contact and second contact) positioned at different locations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated structures for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Weight of stationary object

If miniaturization is pursued to reduce device size, then power consumption decreases, but manufacturing precision and reliability requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidlayout design precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The conductor is divided into multiple segments or portions, with at least a first portion extending in the first direction and a second portion extending in the second direction. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently for its specific routing function, improving manufacturability and precision while maintaining overall compactness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conductor configuration is optimized locally at different positions within the standard cell. The first portion is positioned to connect with the first contact, while the second portion connects with the second contact, with each local configuration tailored to meet specific routing requirements and manufacturing constraints

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20260082887A1Integrated circuit and method of forming the same

Publication Date: 2026.03.19 TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO LTD

AI summary

An integrated circuit includes a first source/drain region of a first transistor on a first level of a substrate, a first gate of the first transistor on a second level, a first conductive line overlapping the first gate, and on a third level, a first input pin overlapping the first source/drain region, the first gate and the first conductive line, and on a fourth level, and a first via between the first gate and the first conductive line. The first via electrically coupling the first gate and the first conductive line together. The first input pin includes a first conductive portion extending in the first direction, and overlapping at least the first gate.