Separable cells having wiring channels for routing signals between surrounding cells
First Claim
1. A method of designing an integrated circuit, comprising:
- providing a separable cell;
providing at least two additional cells;
separating said separable cell into two or more sub-blocks to provide a channel between an adjacent pair of said two or more sub-blocks; and
forming an external interconnect line through said channel, said external interconnect line interconnecting said at least two additional cells.
6 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
On integrated circuit designs employing large, pre-defined circuit blocks, chip area utilization and signal routing is improved by permitting signals between circuit blocks surrounding (e.g., on opposite sides of) a large circuit block (megacell) to physically pass through the megacell. The megacell is laid out so that a "parting line" is defined through the megacell. Circuits within the megacell are laid out so that no circuit "straddles" the parting line. The megacell can then be split or stretched about the parting line to create a wiring channel. The wiring channel is used for routing signals from the surrounding cells (circuit blocks) through the large circuit block (megacell). Signals between the separated portions of the stretched or split megacell on opposite sides of the parting line may be routed in one metal layer, while connections of surrounding cells through the megacell may be routed in another metal layer. A maximum split or stretch distance is defined for which the megacell performance specifications (e.g., timing constraints) will be met. A plurality of surrounding cells may be interconnected by routing their signals in stacked wiring layers. The megacell may be split or stretched about two or more parting lines to create two or more wiring channels.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method of designing an integrated circuit, comprising:
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providing a separable cell; providing at least two additional cells; separating said separable cell into two or more sub-blocks to provide a channel between an adjacent pair of said two or more sub-blocks; and forming an external interconnect line through said channel, said external interconnect line interconnecting said at least two additional cells. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. An integrated circuit comprising:
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a plurality of cells; a separable cell between said plurality of cells, said separable cell separated into two or more sub-blocks in a manner that forms a channel between an adjacent pair of said two or more sub-blocks; and an interconnect line formed through said channel, wherein at least two of said plurality of cells are interconnected through said interconnect line.
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7. An integrated circuit comprising:
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a separable cell separated into two or more sub-blocks in a manner that forms a channel; a plurality of additional cells; and an interconnect line formed through said channel, interconnecting at least two of said plurality of additional cells. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification