Standard Cell Library Power-Rail Layout for Automated Region Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing P & R tools lack the ability to optimize the position, size, and number of power supply regions in semiconductor integrated circuits, necessitating repetitive adjustments to achieve optimal layout, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A standard cell library is developed with specific configurations allowing for the separation and connection of internal and external power supply wires, enabling efficient arrangement of power supply regions without the need for repetitive adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a P & R tool is used to arrange standard cells and connect wires, then automation and high performance are achieved, but the tool lacks the function to optimize the position, size, and number of regions for each power supply, requiring repetitive manual adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The standard cell is divided into multiple power supply regions, with each region dedicated to a specific power supply type. This segmentation allows the P & R tool to automatically handle different power supply arrangements without manual intervention, as each region is pre-configured with appropriate power supply connections and routing resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The standard cell library is pre-configured with multiple power supply regions and their corresponding routing resources before the actual P & R process. This preliminary preparation enables the automated tool to directly utilize these pre-arranged regions during placement and routing, eliminating the need for repetitive manual optimization of power supply region positions, sizes, and numbers.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment of power supply region position, size, and shape is performed to achieve excellent layout, then layout quality in terms of electricity and area is improved, but a lot of time and work are required
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple power supply regions with different positions, sizes, and configurations are pre-prepared in the standard cell library. During the automated P & R process, the tool can directly select and utilize these pre-configured regions based on design requirements, achieving excellent layout quality without manual adjustment and significantly reducing time and work.
Solution Approach 2:
The standard cell library contains power supply regions with varied parameters (position, size, shape) to accommodate different design scenarios. This diversity in pre-configured parameters allows the automated tool to find optimal layouts without manual intervention, maintaining high layout quality while minimizing time investment.
3Productivity
If more than one type of power supply is used in one P & R region to meet higher speed and lower power consumption demands, then circuit performance is improved, but the P & R tool cannot optimize the arrangement, requiring repetitive manual optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The P & R region is segmented into multiple power supply regions, with each region dedicated to a specific power supply type. This clear segmentation simplifies the arrangement of multiple power supplies by providing distinct, pre-configured zones for each type, reducing complexity while supporting high-performance multi-power supply designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The standard cell is designed with universal power supply regions that can accommodate different power supply types. Each region is configured to work with specific power supply characteristics, allowing the same standard cell structure to support multiple power supply arrangements for achieving higher speed and lower power consumption without increasing overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a standard cell library has a first standard cell in which a first internal power supply wire is arranged, and a second standard cell in which a second internal power supply wire is arranged. When the first and the second standard cell are arranged adjacent in a second direction, the first and the second internal power supply wire are separated. The first standard cell has a first wiring region in which a first external power supply wire can be arranged, a first connectable position in which the first external power supply wire and the first internal power supply wire can be connected, a third wiring region in which a second external power supply wire can be arranged, and a third connectable position in which the second external power supply wire and the first internal power supply wire can be connected.