Unified Design Library for Multi-Die IC Process Node Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional circuit design tools are limited to handling a single IC process technology at a time, making it difficult to design circuits for integrated circuits (ICs) that include multiple dies, each fabricated using different process technologies.

Innovation Solution

A unified design library and system that correlates specific process node libraries with each die of a multi-die IC, allowing concurrent design and analysis of circuit elements across different dies, including design rule checking and netlist generation, while maintaining compatibility across varying IC process technologies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional EDA tools are used for single-process technology design, then the design process is simple and straightforward, but the tools cannot handle multi-die ICs with different process technologies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to handle multiple process technologiesVSAvoidcomplexity of design library structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The design library is segmented into multiple process node specific (PNS) libraries, each corresponding to a different IC process technology. Each PNS library contains technology-specific data such as standard cells, design rules, and timing parameters. This segmentation allows the unified design library to accommodate multiple process technologies while maintaining the simplicity of individual library structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A unified design library structure acts as an intermediary layer between the EDA tool and multiple PNS libraries. This unified structure provides a common interface and coordination mechanism that enables the EDA tool to access and manage multiple process technology libraries without requiring complex modifications to the tool itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If separate design tools are used for each process technology, then each tool can be optimized for its specific process, but the overall design process becomes complex and difficult to manage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of concurrent design across multiple diesVSAvoidcomplexity of managing multiple design processes

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple process node specific libraries are merged into a single unified design library structure. This unified library provides a consolidated interface for accessing technology-specific data from multiple PNS libraries, enabling designers to work with multiple process technologies through a single, manageable system rather than juggling separate tools and libraries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The unified design library structure provides universal access to multiple process technologies through a single interface. It enables the EDA tool to perform design, analysis, and verification functions across different process technologies without requiring separate tool instances, thereby simplifying the overall design workflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a unified design library correlating multiple PNS libraries is implemented, then multi-die IC design becomes feasible, but the library structure and management become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to support multi-die ICs with different process technologiesVSAvoidcomplexity of unified library structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The unified design library is segmented into multiple process node specific libraries, with each PNS library maintaining its own simplified structure for a specific process technology. This segmentation allows the system to support multiple process technologies while keeping individual library structures simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The unified design library structure serves as an intermediary that manages the complexity of coordinating multiple PNS libraries. It provides a centralized mechanism for accessing and managing technology-specific data without exposing the underlying complexity to the user or the EDA tool.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS8156456B1Unified design methodology for multi-die integrated circuits

Publication Date: 2012.04.10 XILINX INC

AI summary

A method of designing an integrated circuit (IC) having multiple dies can include identifying a unified design library having a first process node specific (PNS) library for a first IC process technology and a second PNS library for a second IC process technology. The first PNS library can be correlated with a first die of the IC. The second PNS library can be correlated with the second die of the IC. Via a processor, a circuit element can be defined within a circuit design implemented within the IC according to the PNS library correlated to the die in which the circuit element is located.