Patent · US Active

IC layout adjustment method and tool for improving dielectric reliability at interconnects

US9922161B2 · kind B2 · utility

9Cited by
11References
31Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 20, 2014
Grant dateMar 20, 2018
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 20, 2034

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02P90/02
  • WIPO fieldComputer technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Method for adjusting a layout used in making an integrated circuit includes one or more interconnects in the layout that are susceptible to dielectric breakdown are selected. One or more selected interconnects are adjusted to increase via to wire spacing with respect to at least one via and one wire of the one or more selected interconnects. Preferably, the selecting analyzes signal patterns of interconnects, and estimates the stress ratio based on state probability of routed signal nets in the layout. An annotated layout is provided that describes distances by which one or more via or wire segment edges are to be shifted. Adjustments can include thinning and shifting of wire segments, and rotation of vias.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.