Transistor PCell Conversion from Flat Layout Shapes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transistor level layouts, represented by flat shapes, are time-consuming and inefficient due to non-availability of transistor pcells or layout generation deficiencies, leading to manual layout migration challenges and increased design costs.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for translating flat transistor shapes into transistor pcells by extracting a netlist and layout data, detecting power and signal connections, establishing a permute state, and placing pcells in the layout to replace flat shapes, facilitating automated layout conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If flat transistor shapes are used to represent transistor level layouts, then the layout can be represented simply, but the layout migration process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a copy of the flat transistor shape layout and automatically converts it into pcell-based layout. The system extracts netlist and layout data from the flat shape representation, processes this information, and generates equivalent pcell instances that replicate the functional behavior while enabling automated maintenance and updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the layout representation by changing key parameters from flat shape geometry to pcell parameterization. The system extracts parameters defining transistor properties and connectivity from the flat shape layout and reconfigures them as pcell instances with appropriate parameters, enabling automated layout generation and maintenance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual layout migration is performed to convert flat shapes to pcells, then layout conversion can be achieved, but design costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service automated conversion system that performs layout migration without requiring manual intervention. The system automatically extracts netlist and layout data, processes the information to identify transistor instances, and generates pcell-based layout, eliminating the need for costly manual redesign efforts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual process of layout migration with an automated computer-based system. The manual inspection and redrawing process is substituted by automated data extraction, processing algorithms that convert flat shapes to pcells, and automated layout generation, significantly reducing design costs and time requirements.
3Extent of automation
If pcell-based layout is used, then automated design and maintenance becomes easier, but the initial translation process from flat shapes requires complex data processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex data processing into distinct modular steps: extracting netlist data, extracting layout data, processing and matching the data to identify transistor instances, determining connectivity, and generating pcell instances. This segmentation makes the complex translation process manageable and systematic.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that bridges the flat shape layout and the pcell-based layout. The system extracts information from the flat shape representation, processes this intermediate data to understand transistor properties and connectivity, and then translates it into pcell instances, making the complex conversion manageable through structured intermediate processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for translating flat transistor shapes into transistor pcells during a hardware design process of a semiconductor chip comprising transistors. A netlist and a first layout of the semiconductor chip can be extracted, wherein the netlist and the first layout comprise parameters defining properties of transistors of the first layout and connectivity of the transistors of the first layout. Based on the netlist and the first layout, power connections, tracing signal connections, and shared contacts of respective ones of transistors of the first layout can be detected. A permute state of respective ones of transistors of the first layout can be established. Transistor pcells can be defined based on the permute state for respective transistors of the first layout. Flat transistor shapes of the transistors within the first layout can be removed and respective ones of the transistor pcells can be placed into the first layout.