Standard Cell Capacitors for Power Glitch Stabilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor integrated-circuit devices face challenges in compensating for power/ground glitches and electromagnetic interference (EMI) in the core area, which can reduce internal area efficiency and affect performance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating standard cells with standard capacitors between logic cells, these capacitors help stabilize power/ground voltages and minimize EMI by occupying empty spaces, thereby preventing glitches and improving reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional compensation circuits are included to compensate for power/ground glitch phenomenon and electromagnetic interference, then reliability is improved, but internal area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The standard cell is designed to perform multiple functions: it connects logic cells (original function) and simultaneously compensates for power/ground glitches and electromagnetic interference (additional functions). By integrating the capacitor into the standard cell structure, the same circuit element serves both as a connection component and as an EMI compensation device, eliminating the need for separate compensation circuits that would consume additional area.
2Device complexity
If standard cells without circuit elements are used to connect logic cells, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability is worsened due to inability to compensate for power/ground glitches and EMI
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the connection function and the compensation function into a single standard cell structure. The capacitor is integrated directly into the standard cell, allowing it to both connect logic cells and compensate for power/ground glitches and electromagnetic interference. This combination maintains the simplicity of the standard cell approach while adding the necessary reliability features.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The standard cells with capacitors effectively maintain stable power/ground voltages and reduce EMI, enhancing the semiconductor integrated-circuit device's reliability and internal space utilization by up to 10-30%.
Implementation Method 1
the plurality of standard cells each includes a standard capacitor
Implementation Method 2
the semiconductor integrated-circuit device is easily affected by electromagnetic interference (EMI) generated in the logic cells and the memory cells
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor integrated-circuit device is disclosed. The semiconductor integrated-circuit device uses a filter, which includes a standard capacitor, as a standard cell connecting a memory cell with a logic cell. As such, the semiconductor integrated-circuit device can minimize a glitch phenomenon of power/ground voltages and provide stability of power/ground voltages.