Decomposing integrated circuit layout
US8631379B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 9, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jan 14, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 10, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F30/398
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Various embodiments of the invention provide techniques to ensure a layout for an integrated circuit is split-able. In a method embodiment, a layout is generated in a customer site having a layout library as inputs wherein the library provides exemplary layouts that have been verified to be spit-able and that can be used and layouts that can cause conflicts to avoid. A real-time odd cycle checker is also provided in which the checker identifies in real time conflict areas and odd cycles as they arise during layout generation. To reduce memory usage layouts of various devices may be separated so that each individual layout or a small number of layouts, rather than a large layout for the whole application circuit, can be checked against conflicts. Once the layout is ready at the customer site, it is sent to the foundry site to be decomposed into two masks and taped-out. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.