Integrated Standard Cell Layout With Continuous Active Regions

The patent merges adjacent standard cells by removing the isolation structures between them, allowing active regions to be continuous across cell boundaries. This combining approach eliminates the reserved space that would otherwise be required between cells, reducing the total area while maintaining routing efficiency.

The patent extracts and removes the isolation structures (such as deep trench isolation or shallow trench isolation) that traditionally separate standard cells. By taking out these isolation elements, the active regions can extend continuously across what would have been cell boundaries, reducing the area required for each standard cell while preserving electrical isolation where needed through alternative means.

The patent introduces alternative isolation mechanisms that act as intermediaries between adjacent standard cells. Instead of relying on spaced-apart active regions, the invention uses selective isolation structures (such as epitaxial isolation or localized dielectric layers) that allow active regions to be continuous and joined across cell boundaries while still providing the necessary electrical isolation. This mediator approach maintains both manufacturing precision and device performance.

The patent applies local quality by making the isolation characteristics location-dependent. Active regions are allowed to be continuous in areas where cells abut, while localized isolation structures are introduced only where electrical separation is needed. This local differentiation enables the active regions to be joined for improved performance while maintaining manufacturing precision through targeted isolation at specific locations rather than uniform spacing throughout.