Patent ID: 10169520

Abstract:
A method is applied to reconfigure a set of uncrowned standard cells in a layout of a semiconductor apparatus. Each uncrowned standard cell includes a standard first array. Each standard first array includes a first stacked arrangement of vias interspersed with first segments of corresponding M(i)˜M(N) metallization layers. The M(N) metallization layer includes second segments which connect corresponding first segments of the M(N) metallization layer in the first standard arrays. The method includes crowning each first standard array in the set with a corresponding second standard array. Each standard second array includes a second stacked arrangement of vias interspersed with corresponding first segments of corresponding M(N+1)˜M(N+Q) metallization layers. The method further includes: adding, to the M(N+Q) layer, second segments which connect corresponding first segments of the M(N+Q) metallization layer in the corresponding second standard arrays.