Standard Cell Integration with Distinct Diffusion Break Schemes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semiconductor integrated circuit designs cannot effectively combine standard cells with different areas and performances due to differing cell boundary locations, preventing the use of self-aligned double patterning and vertical alignment in placement and routing schemes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for generating integrated circuit designs that include different types of standard cells by using separate libraries with distinct diffusion break schemes, allowing for placement and routing of cells with the same function but varying performance and area, enabling the use of self-aligned double patterning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If standard cells with different areas and performances are placed on an integrated circuit layout, then performance and area optimization is improved, but cell boundary alignment and manufacturing precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides standard cells into multiple types (first type and second type) with different diffusion break schemes. Each type is assigned to specific libraries, allowing the placement tool to select appropriate cell types based on performance and area requirements while maintaining manufacturing compatibility within each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
Different standard cell types are used in different locations of the integrated circuit layout based on local performance and area requirements. The first type of standard cells is used where one set of characteristics is needed, while the second type is used where different characteristics are required, allowing local optimization without compromising overall manufacturing precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standard cells with different areas are used, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but placement and routing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple standard cell types are designed to provide the same logical function but with different performance and area characteristics. This allows the placement tool to universally select from multiple cell types based on design requirements, increasing adaptability while maintaining a systematic approach to placement and routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The placement tool dynamically selects between first type and second type standard cells based on real-time design requirements, performance targets, and area constraints. This dynamic selection process allows the system to adapt to different design scenarios without requiring manual intervention or complex fixed architectures.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of generating an integrated circuit design includes receiving input data defining input cells of the integrated circuit design, selecting first standard cells from a first standard cell library to represent the input cells having a first characteristic, selecting second standard cells from a second standard cell library to represent the input cells having a second characteristic different from the first characteristic, and generating output data representing the integrated circuit design by performing placement and routing on the selected first standard cells and the selected second standard cells. The first standard cell library includes a first type of standard cells manufactured using a first diffusion break scheme. The second standard cell library includes a second type of standard cells manufactured using a second diffusion break scheme. Each of the second type of standard cells has a same function as a respective one of the first type of standard cells.