Scripted, hierarchical template-based IC physical layout system
First Claim
1. A method for use by a computer-aided design tool for generating a final layout for an electronic device implemented within an integrated circuit (IC), the method comprising the steps of:
- a. storing a device template including a master layout specifying dimensions and relative positions of objects within the IC to form the electronic device, wherein some of the object dimensions and relative positions are specified as functions of values of input parameters, and wherein at the device template also includes a script containing instructions for modifying a preliminary layout for the electronic device to produce the final layout,b. receiving the values of the input parameters from a user,c. evaluating the functions relative to the values of the input parameters supplied by the user at step b to determine values of object dimensions and relative positions the device template specifies as functions of the input parameters,d. generating the preliminary layout for the electronic device wherein object dimensions and relative positions specified by the preliminary layout are consistent with those specified in the master layout and with the values of object dimensions and relative positions determined at step c, ande. modifying the preliminary layout in accordance with the script to generate the final layout for the electronic device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A computer-aided design tool for automatically generating a layout for an electronic device to be formed by a set of objects implemented within an integrated circuit, receives input from a user defining a device template specifying shapes, dimensions and relative positions within the layout of the objects forming the device. Some of the object dimensions and/or relative positions are specified as functions of values of input parameters to be supplied by the user. When the user supplies the input parameters, the CAD tool evaluates the functions to determine the object dimensions and/or positions that are functions of the input parameters and then generates a layout for the electronic device wherein object shapes, dimensions and relative positions are as specified in the device template and consistent with the function evaluations. The device template may also include instructions for modifying the layout, for example, indicating that copies of an object are to form an array in the layout, that copies of one object are to fill another object, that an object is to be added to the layout having a shape that is a Boolean function of other objects, and that objects are to be added to or removed from the layout.
24 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method for use by a computer-aided design tool for generating a final layout for an electronic device implemented within an integrated circuit (IC), the method comprising the steps of:
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a. storing a device template including a master layout specifying dimensions and relative positions of objects within the IC to form the electronic device, wherein some of the object dimensions and relative positions are specified as functions of values of input parameters, and wherein at the device template also includes a script containing instructions for modifying a preliminary layout for the electronic device to produce the final layout, b. receiving the values of the input parameters from a user, c. evaluating the functions relative to the values of the input parameters supplied by the user at step b to determine values of object dimensions and relative positions the device template specifies as functions of the input parameters, d. generating the preliminary layout for the electronic device wherein object dimensions and relative positions specified by the preliminary layout are consistent with those specified in the master layout and with the values of object dimensions and relative positions determined at step c, and e. modifying the preliminary layout in accordance with the script to generate the final layout for the electronic device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. Computer-readable media containing software which, when read and executed by a computer, causes the computer to implement a method for automatically generating a layout for an electronic device to be formed by a set of objects implemented within an integrated circuit, wherein the method comprises steps of:
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a. storing a device template specifying shapes and dimensions of the set of objects forming the electronic device within the layout, wherein some object dimensions are specified as functions of values of input parameters, b. receiving the values of the input parameters from a user, c. evaluating the functions to determine the object dimensions that are functions of the input parameters, d. processing the device template to generate the layout for the electronic device wherein object shapes and dimensions within the layout are as specified in the device template and wherein the dimensions that are functions of the input parameters are as determined at step c. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification