Timing Model for Parallel Multi-State Driver Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional static timing analysis methods are inadequate for analog circuit blocks, particularly parallel multi-state drivers, as they fail to account for varying timing behavior based on input signal programming, which is critical for complex integrated circuits.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method generates a timing model for analog parallel multi-state driver circuits with programmable driver states, allowing for accurate static timing analysis within a digital design flow by inserting this model into a digital system, enabling precise propagation delay measurement and optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional static timing analysis methods are used for analog circuit blocks, then the analysis process is simple and fast, but the timing analysis accuracy is insufficient because it fails to account for varying timing behavior based on input signal programming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the timing analysis process into multiple evaluation points along the timing path, including input signal capture points and output signal launch points. This segmentation allows for precise measurement of propagation delays at different stages while maintaining a structured analysis framework that manages complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements such as delay elements and buffer circuits that act as mediators between input and output signals. These intermediaries provide controlled points for timing measurement and enable the analysis of propagation delays without requiring direct observation of internal signal transitions, thus improving accuracy while managing analysis complexity.
2Productivity
If static timing analysis is applied to analog parallel multi-state drivers, then the design process is faster, but the timing behavior cannot be accurately captured because it ignores input signal programming effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary characterization of the analog parallel multi-state drivers by evaluating their timing behavior across multiple predetermined input signal conditions before final design verification. This preliminary action captures the varying timing characteristics under different programming scenarios, enabling reliable timing analysis while maintaining design efficiency through reuse of characterization data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static timing analysis to a dynamic evaluation approach that considers multiple input signal conditions and their effects on timing behavior. By evaluating timing characteristics under varying input conditions rather than assuming a single static behavior, the method accurately captures the dynamic nature of analog multi-state drivers while integrating into the digital design flow.
3Measurement precision
If detailed timing analysis is performed for every timing path in complex integrated circuits, then timing accuracy is improved, but the analysis time and computational resources increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by focusing detailed timing analysis on specific critical regions and timing paths within the complex integrated circuit rather than uniformly analyzing all paths. By identifying and prioritizing critical timing paths that have the greatest impact on circuit performance, the method achieves high timing measurement accuracy for critical signals while reducing overall analysis time through selective evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs partial timing analysis by evaluating a representative subset of timing paths and input conditions that capture the essential timing behavior, rather than exhaustively analyzing every possible path. This partial action approach provides sufficient timing accuracy for design verification while significantly reducing computational resources and analysis time compared to complete exhaustive analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated circuit (IC) includes multiple interconnected driver cells enabled/disabled based on a first set of control signals. The multiple circuit cells are arranged to define a first aggregate enabled/disabled configuration exhibiting a first aggregated delay. The first aggregated delay is based on the individual enabled/disabled states of the circuit cells. Timing circuitry evaluates the first aggregate delay with respect to a circuit design constraint, and selectively generates a second set of control signals to configure the multiple circuit cells to define a second aggregate enabled/disabled configuration having a second aggregate delay different than the first aggregate delay.