Virtual Connection Layer for IC Layout Wiring Consistency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In integrated circuit design, inconsistencies between layout and schematic occur due to the absence of internal circuits in layouts, leading to inaccuracies and inefficiencies in layout wiring, particularly in multi-voltage designs where ports with the same name are connected through internal circuits but not directly in the layout.
Innovation Solution
A method that connects ports with the same name using a virtual connection layer, ensuring they are connected through either an actual or virtual connection layer, thereby avoiding virtual connection errors during layout versus schematic comparisons and reducing the need for modifications in layout wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ports with the same name are connected through internal circuits in schematic but not directly in layout, then the schematic represents complete circuit connections, but the layout cannot embody the connection relationship between partial structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual connection layer as an intermediary element to represent internal circuit connections that cannot be directly embodied in the physical layout. This virtual layer acts as a mediator between the schematic representation and the actual layout, allowing connection relationships to be preserved and verified without adding physical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the connection relationships from the schematic by generating a virtual connection layer that mirrors the internal circuit connections. This virtual representation allows the layout to maintain connection information without adding physical structures, enabling accurate LVS comparison between schematic and layout.
2Measurement precision
If virtual connection layer is added to layout to represent internal circuits, then layout versus schematic comparison accuracy improves, but layout complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual connection layer serves as an intermediary that adds minimal structural complexity while significantly improving comparison accuracy. It provides the necessary connection information without requiring complex physical modifications to the layout.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the representation parameter from physical connection structures to virtual connection indicators. By using a different parameter (virtual layer presence) rather than physical structure, the system achieves high comparison accuracy without increasing physical layout complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional layout wiring method is used without virtual connection layer, then layout wiring process is simple, but inconsistency between layout and schematic occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by automatically generating the virtual connection layer before the LVS comparison process. This pre-prepared virtual structure ensures that connection information is already in place, eliminating the need for complex manual wiring adjustments while maintaining simplicity in the overall process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically generating and managing the virtual connection layer without requiring manual intervention. The layout tool itself creates the virtual structures needed for accurate comparison, maintaining process simplicity while improving reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosure relate to the field of semiconductor technologies, and provide a layout and a wiring method, a comparison method, a fabrication method, a device, and a storage medium. The layout wiring method includes: obtaining names of all ports in a layout, each port has a first node and a second node; detecting whether the first node and the second node of each port are each connected to any other port through an actual connection layer, and if not, taking a port of which the first node and/or the second node are not connected to the actual connection layer as a port to be connected; and connecting at least two ports to be connected having the same name using a virtual connection layer.