Abstract:
A translation tool for the design of integrated circuits. In one embodiment, a method comprises translating select device parameters in a first database associated with a first process to device parameters in a second database associated with a second process and displaying a design based on the device parameters in the second database.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0001]     The present invention relates generally to integrated circuit design and in particular to an automatic design translation tool.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     The use of computer design simulation programs to aid in the design of integrated circuits is commonly used in the electronic design automation (EDA) industry. Typically a design simulates a process in forming a desired integrated circuit. Often it is desired to migrate analog and RF intellectual Property (IP) from one process to another process for various reasons. Such reasons include, cost reduction, performance improvement, capacity improvement and IP up-integration into other systems.  
         [0003]     Traditionally, the migration of analog and RF IP across different processes is accomplished with conventional hand translation, manual circuit retuning and calibration, and drawing layouts from scratch by analog and RF design engineers. These are very time consuming, tedious and costly tasks. There is a need in the art for an improved method of migrating analog and RF IP across different processes in designing integrated circuits.  
         [0004]     For the reasons stated above and for other reasons stated below which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a need in the art for an improved method of migrating analog and RF IP across different processes in designing integrated circuits  
       Summary  
       [0005]     The above-mentioned problems and other problems are resolved by the present invention and will be understood by reading and studying the following specification.  
         [0006]     In one embodiment, a method of designing devices in integrated circuits is disclosed. The method comprises translating select device parameters in a first database associated with a first process to device parameters in a second database associated with a second process and displaying a design based on the device parameters in the second database.  
         [0007]     In another embodiment, a method of translating an integrated circuit design in a first process to a second process is disclosed. The method comprises setting translations options. Reading original schematic information. Translating schematic information. Reading original layout information. Translating layout information and outputting parameters of translated schematic and layout information.  
         [0008]     In further another embodiment, a computer-readable medium including instructions for simulating the design of an integrated circuit from one process to another process is disclosed. The computer-readable medium includes instructions for processing translation options. Reading original schematic information. Translating schematic information. Reading original layout information. Translating layout information and outputting parameters of translated schematic and layout information. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0009]     The present invention can be more easily understood and further advantages and uses thereof more readily apparent, when considered in view of the description of the preferred embodiments and the following figures in which:  
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a flow chart illustrating a process translation of one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0011]      FIG. 2 , is a flow chart illustrating the set up and steps of a translation of one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0012]      FIG. 3  is a GUI of one embodiment of the present application;  
         [0013]      FIG. 4  is an illustration of a partial schematic diagram before translation of one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0014]      FIG. 5  is an illustration of a partial schematic diagram after translation in one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0015]      FIG. 6  is a display illustrating original information of one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0016]      FIG. 7  is a translated display of one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0017]      FIG. 8  is an illustration of a layout before translation of one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 9  is an illustration of a layout after translation of one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0019]      FIG. 9A  is an illustration of the number of layer before translation in one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 9B  is an illustration of an additional layer after translation in one embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0021]      FIG. 10  is a top level layout illustration of one embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
       [0022]     In accordance with common practice, the various described features are not drawn to scale but are drawn to emphasize specific features relevant to the present invention. Reference characters denote like elements throughout Figures and text.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0023]     In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific preferred embodiments in which the inventions may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical and electrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims and equivalents thereof.  
         [0024]     Embodiments of the present invention provide a translation tool that migrates analog and RF (intellectual property) IP across integrated circuits processes to boost design productivity. This is accomplished by translating all databases including schematic and layout designs from one process to another. For example, the translation tool can translate original schematic and layout that were designed in one process to a schematic and layout database in another process. The new schematic database preserves almost all critical component parameters such as resistance, capacitance, transistor size and all original connectivity and is simulation ready right after the translation. In one embodiment of the present invention, the translated layout database preserves all mapped layers and devices with proper location and conductivity and is ready to restore the layout connectivity from schematic by using a connectivity-based layout tool. The translation tools of the present invention also provide means for designers to probe and compare the original design component parameters easily in the new design database and environment without having to open the original design. An example of a translation process in which the current invention is applicable is the translation of one wireless local area network (WLAN) transceiver from an internal pure silicon BiCMOS process “process 1” to another SiGe BiCMOS process “process 2” with exact product specification requirements.  
         [0025]     The present invention maps similar devices and mask layers from one process to another. The device characteristics, models and component description format (CDF) parameters have to be carefully evaluated so that similar components and CDF parameters can be mapped. Also, the processes have to be carefully examined so similar mask layers can be mapped as well.  
         [0026]     One common problem is resistor sheet rho (or area resistance) and capacitor area capacitance normally doesn&#39;t match between processes, so in one embodiment of the present invention there are options to preserve either resistance/capacitance or geometry. In particular, in order to keep electrical consistency of the schematic design, the resistance and capacitance are typically preserved and in regards to layouts, the geometry, such as length and width, are preserved.  
         [0027]     In various embodiments of the present invention, higher-level schematic requirements are included to keep conductivity in the schematic with correct device rotation, polarity, program node and inherited connection as well as adding extra or removing redundant wires automatically. These higher level embodiments, layout requirements typically include correct device layout placement location and rotation, ability to use connectivity-based layout editing tool to restore the conductivity from the schematic after translation, and automatic grid and diagonal line mode check correction.  
         [0028]     After translation, there are times designers want to go back to check the original design CDF parameters. Embodiments of the present invention allow the designers to do this without launching a separate design session and opening the original design in a different window. Instead, in other embodiments, the original device CDF parameters are preserved in the translated design as data base properties. These properties can then be displayed side by side with the new CDF parameters for comparison reasons without opening a separate design session.  
         [0029]     Limitations are generally identified before implementation, so they can be dealt with later. Limitations may include unmatched devices, CDF parameters, nodes and mask layers. In one embodiment, reports are generated when a limitation is encountered during the translation process.  
         [0030]      FIG. 1 , is a flow chart  100  illustrating a process translation of one embodiment of the present invention. The process starts by creating a configuration file ( 102 ). The configuration file describes the translation requirements. It may include device mapping, terminal mapping, insertion origin, polarity and rotation, mask layer mapping, parameter mapping and functions to be triggered after translation, resistor/capacitor options and interconnect layer options. Process 1 and process 2 libraries are defined ( 103 ). The source library/cell is copied to a new library (cell) ( 104 ). The configuration file is then read ( 106 ). Schematic and layout resistor/capacitor option is set ( 108 ). Interconnect later option for layout is set ( 110 ). The original schematic database information is read ( 112 ). The schematic is translated by a predefined code ( 114 ). The original schematic information is written into a new database ( 116 ). The original device information in the new data base can be queried by a designer to obtain original design information ( 130 ). The original layout database information is read ( 118 ). The layout is then translated by a predefined code ( 120 ). The original layout information is then written into a new database ( 122 ). The original device information in the new data base can again be queried later by a designer to obtain original design information ( 130 ). The layout grid and line mode are check and corrected ( 124 ).  
         [0031]     An example of a process translation is the translation between process 1 and process 2. Examples of devices translated between process 1 and process 2 are provided in Table 1.  
                           TABLE 1                                   PROCESS 1 DEVICES   PROCESS 2 DEVICES                           Moscap   Moscap           momcap, momcaprf, 3rf, 4rf   mim, mix           rtcr1, 2, 3, 4   Respect           rpp, rpp3   respd, respdx           Rpoly   Resnd           rpldde, rpldde3   respc, respcx           npnrf1, npnrf2   npd0p32           Npnmv1   npd0p44           npnhv1, npnhv2   npd0p44           bonpad2, 3, 4   bondpad, bondpadx           Nmos   nfeti3           noms4   nfeti4           noms5   nfeti5           Pmos   pfet           Desdrf   var           desdrf_lvs   varx           diode3   var           Desd   var           Subtie   subcx           rlvs1, 2, 3   m1res, m2res, mtres           Inductors   dropped           fuse   dropped                      
 
         [0032]     Examples of layers translated between process 1 and process 2 are shown in Table 2.  
                           TABLE 2                                   PROCESS 1 LAYERS   PROCESS 2 LAYERS                           Nitride   RX           Met1   M1           MET2   M2           MET3   MT OR AM           Contact   CA           Via1   V1           Via2   V2 or V2 + MT + AV           Poly   PC           Subp   SXCUT                      
 
         [0033]     Know limitations of process 1 to process 2 include: 1. The device parameter limits are different between process 1 and process 2. For example, capacitor minimum 1/w in process 1 is 5 um, while in process 2 they are 8 um, so all process 1 min caps with 1/w less than 5 um will be set to 8 um after translation. The npn device maximum number of stripes in process 1 is 6, while in process 2 it is 2. So any number of strips larger than 2 in process 1 will be set to 2 in process 2. There is no limitation in npn emitter width, but process 2 imposes a 50 um maximum, so any emitter width larger than 50 um in process 1 will be set to 50 um in process 2. 2. All Pwell, NBL and substrate nodes will be mapped between process 1 and process 2 devices if applicable, however, in some cases, there are no correspondence, then the process 2 device will use the default Pwell, NBL and substrate node connection. In one embodiment you must manually connect them for the design.  
         [0034]     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a flow chart  200  illustrating the setup and steps for a process 1 to process 2 translation of one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. As illustrated, a design framework session is started ( 202 ). It is determined if a process 1 library exists ( 204 ). If it does not exist, it is defined ( 205 ) with the use of a “library manager-&gt;edit-&gt;library path.” Once the process 1 libraries exist, the library manager is used to make a copy of the source process 1 design library to a new library and attach a new process techfile to the new library ( 206 ). For example, a process 1 design library “Usrlib”, can be copied and named “Usrlib-copy20,” then a techfile process 2 is attached to “Usrlib-copy20.” Then the process translation menu is chosen to bring up the translation GUI ( 208 ). The source library is then selected ( 210 ). The source library is the original process 1. It will be read throughout the translation process. The source library must be attached to the process 1 library. In this example, the source library is “Usrlib.” The target library is then selected ( 212 ). The target library is the library that will be changed and converted to the process 2 design. The target library must be attached to the process 2 library. In this example the target library is “Usrlib_copy20.” The schematic and layout resistor and capacitor translations options are exercised ( 214 ). As discussed above, the resistance/capacitance and size of the resistors and capacitors can be keep the same through the translation or modified per the application. The default is that the resistance and capacitance are kept the same for schematics and the size is kept the same for layouts. Next, the layout metal portion M3 to MT or to AM options are selected ( 216 ). The default option in this embodiment is M3 to MT. The translation is then started ( 218 ).  
         [0035]     An example of a graphical user interface (GUI)  300  to initiate a translation of one embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 3 . As illustrated, the GUI  300  includes inputs for; source library name  302 , target library name  304 , schematic capacitor option  306 , schematic resistor option  308 , layout capacitor option  310 , layout resistor option  312 , layout M3 option  314  and run directory  316 . Also illustrated is a start translation activation bar  318 . Referring to  FIG. 4 , an example of a partial schematic diagram of a process 1 before translation is shown. As illustrated, the schematic diagram  400  includes transistors  402 ,  404  and  406 .  FIG. 5  illustrates an example of an schematic diagram  500  after translation. As illustrated, this example includes transistors  502 ,  504  and  506 .  
         [0036]      FIG. 6  is an original display  600  of original process 1 information of one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated this display  600  includes the library name  602 , the cell name  604 , the instance name  606 , the length  608 , the total width  610  and the gate stripes  612 . Referring to  FIG. 7 , a translated display  700  of one embodiment is illustrated. The translated display  700  of this embodiment includes a label display  702 , a tracking display  704  and a CDF parameter display  706 . The label display  702  includes the library name  708 , cell name  710 , view name  712  and instance name  714 . The tracking display includes the interface last time and date  716  and modification file  718 . The CDF parameter display  706  includes a request to add nw contact to pcell  719 , width  720 , width (parallel)  722 , length  724 , number of fingers  726 , multiplicity  728 , connect terminals  730 , gate connection  732 , extend M1 for alignment?  734 , left RX contact fill (%)  736 , right RX contact fill (%)  738 , center RX contact fill (%)  740 . Please note that the instance name  606  of the original display  600  of  FIG. 6  is the same as the instance name  714  of the translated display  700  of  FIG. 7  in these embodiments.  
         [0037]     An example of a layout  800  before translation is illustrated in  FIG. 8 .  FIG. 8  illustrates a device location, rotation and polarity generally at  803 , an interconnect at  805  and an unnecessary layer at  801 .  FIG. 9  illustrates an example of an after layout  900  after the translation has been completed. As illustrated device layout location, rotation and polarity at  903  are preserved. Moreover interconnects, such as  905  are preserved and unnecessary layers are dropped (i.e. there is no corresponding layer to layer  801  of  FIG. 8  in  FIG. 9 ). Moreover, conductivity is restored. For example, please refer to  907  and  909  of  FIG. 9 . In addition, additional layers are added as an interconnect option if required. An example of this is illustrated in  FIGS. 9   a  and  9   b .  FIG. 9A  illustrates two metal layers M2  920  and N3  922  coupled to each other by vias  924  before a translation.  FIG. 9B  illustrates three layers M 2   920 , MT  922  and AM  926  coupled to each other respectively by vias  924  and  928  after translation. Referring to  FIG. 10 , an example of a top level layout  1000  of an integrated circuit after translation is shown.  
         [0038]     As described above, embodiments of the present invention map mask layers and map device parameters between two different processes. Some embodiments have callbacks that can be triggered. Some embodiments provide an option to add extra interconnect layers. Further embodiments, allow for the addition and deletion of wires automatically to keep the schematic design electrically correct. Moreover, other embodiments preserve instance names in both schematic and layout so that layout conductivity can be restored after translation. Still further embodiments, automatically grid and line mode (diagonal) check and provide corrections.  
         [0039]     Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement, which is calculated to achieve the same purpose, may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.