JP5891801B2 - Association method, association program, and association apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an association method, an association program, and an association apparatus.

  A circuit pattern to be exposed is decomposed into basic figures serving as exposure units, and an electron beam having the same shape and size as each basic figure is formed using a plurality of shaping apertures, and sequentially irradiated onto the resist 1 One electron beam irradiation is called a shot.

  In electron beam exposure, there is a partial batch method (hereinafter referred to as “CP (Character Projection) method”) as a method for forming an electron beam. In the CP method, a plurality of basic figures are prepared in advance as a stencil mask for electron beams. As the basic figure, a layout data pattern that is frequently used in the layout data after the placement and routing is used. The basic figure is hereinafter referred to as “CP stamp”.

  In addition, for example, a technique is known in which the arrangement of cells is moved along a CP stamp with respect to layout data after placement and routing (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2 below).

JP 2001-35770 A JP 2007-5651 A

  However, because initial placement and routing is performed regardless of the CP stamp, it may not be grouped into the same CP stamp, or even if it is grouped into the same CP stamp, the timing constraint may be violated. . Therefore, there is a problem that the number of shots increases.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an associating method, an associating program, and an associating apparatus capable of reducing the number of shots in order to solve the above-described problems caused by the prior art.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to access a storage device that stores a plurality of layout information each having one or a plurality of cells, and an area of the cells that each of the plurality of layout information has. A plurality of cells in the circuit information are grouped based on the plurality of layout information stored in the storage device, and each group is associated with one of the plurality of layout information. Based on the cell area stored in the storage device, the area when the cells of the group are laid out is calculated, and it is determined whether the calculated area for each group is equal to or less than a reference value. Then, the cells of the group determined to be less than or equal to the reference value are grouped for each function, and are included in each newly grouped group. The cell type is converted into a type that is a specific driving capability among cell types having the same function as the cell function included in each group, and the type that is the specific driving capability is converted from the plurality of layout information. The association method, the association program, and the association apparatus for extracting the layout information having the same type of cells and associating the extracted layout information with the converted cells are proposed.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer capable of accessing a storage device that stores a plurality of layout information each having one or a plurality of cells, and an area of the cells each of the plurality of layout information. A plurality of cells in the circuit information are grouped based on the plurality of layout information stored in the storage device, and each group is associated with one of the plurality of layout information. Based on the cell area stored in the storage device, the area when the cells of the group are laid out is calculated, and it is determined for each group whether the calculated area is equal to or less than a reference value. The cell type of the first group determined to be equal to or less than the reference value is the same as the cell function of the first group. Is converted to a specific drive capability type from among the types, and a second group associated with layout information having a cell of the same type as the specific drive capability type from a group determined not to be less than or equal to the reference value. And the number of cells of the same type as the type of the specific driving capability of the detected second group is the number of cells of the specific driving capability of the layout information associated with the second group. It is determined whether or not the number of cells of the same type as the type is less, and the number of cells of the same type that the second group has is the same type that the layout information associated with the second group has If it is determined that the number of cells is less than the number of cells, an association method, an association program, and an association apparatus for including the converted cells in the second group are proposed. .

  According to one aspect of the present invention, there is an effect that the number of shots can be reduced.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a CP area calculation process performed by the association apparatus. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram (part 1) illustrating an example of association processing by the association apparatus. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram (part 2) of an example of association processing by the association apparatus. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram (part 3) of an example of association processing by the association apparatus. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram (part 4) of an example of association processing by the association apparatus. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing an example of electron beam exposure by the CP method. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a design flow in the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the associating device 100. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the CP stamp library 200. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the circuit information 101. FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the associating device 100. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the circuit information 102 after conversion. FIG. 13 is a flowchart (part 1) illustrating an example of the association processing procedure performed by the association apparatus 100. FIG. 14 is a flowchart (part 2) illustrating an example of the association processing procedure performed by the association apparatus 100. FIG. 15 is a flowchart (part 3) illustrating an example of the association processing procedure by the association apparatus 100. FIG. 16 is a flowchart (part 4) illustrating an example of the association processing procedure performed by the association apparatus 100.

  Exemplary embodiments of an association method, an association program, and an association apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a CP area calculation process performed by the association apparatus. 2-5 is explanatory drawing which shows the example of an association process by an association apparatus. A plurality of cells included in the circuit information 101 are grouped based on the CP stamp in the CP stamp library. The CP stamp is layout information having one or a plurality of cells, and a plurality of CP stamps are registered in a CP stamp library which will be described later with reference to FIG. Each group in the circuit information 101 is associated with one of the CP stamps in the CP stamp library. Cells belonging to the same group are transferred onto the wafer by the same shot during exposure by the electron beam exposure apparatus. This group is called a CP cell. Specifically, the circuit information 101 is a netlist which is circuit layout information obtained from provisional layout data after provisional wiring or provisional layout data.

  In the netlist, the connection relationship between the modules in the circuit to be designed and the cells (FF, RAM, etc.) in the circuit is described using a hardware description language such as Verilog or VHDL (Very high speed integrated hardware Description Language). Has been. The circuit information 101 shows a detailed example with reference to FIG. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, CP stamp ICP_7 is associated with cell Cell1, and “CP1” is the instance name of CP stamp ICP_7.

  For example, in a standard cell library for designing a semiconductor integrated circuit, a plurality of inverter cells are prepared depending on driving ability even if it is an inverter element. The function of the cell is represented by the name given to each cell. As standard cells, a NOR cell indicating a negative logical sum (hereinafter abbreviated as “NOR”), a NAND cell indicating a negative logical product (hereinafter abbreviated as “NAND”), an inverter cell indicating a negative (INVERTER) Cell (hereinafter abbreviated as “INV”)), multiplexer cell (MULTIPLEXER cell (hereinafter abbreviated as “MUX”)), flip-flop cell (Flip Flop cell (hereinafter abbreviated as “FF”)). OR cell (hereinafter abbreviated as “OR”) indicating an OR, AND cell (hereinafter abbreviated as “AND”), and the like.

  Here, when the driving capability is different even for the same function, for example, it is represented by a function name and a number, and the larger the number, the higher the driving capability among the cells having the same function. For example, although INV1 and INV2 have the same function, the driving capability of INV2 is higher than that of INV1.

  In the area table 110, the area of the cell layout information included in the CP stamp is registered for each CP stamp. The area table 110 has fields for CP stamp ID, cell type ID, and cell area. By setting information in each field, area information is stored as a record. The area table 110 is stored in a storage device accessible by the associating device.

  In the CP stamp ID field, CP stamp identification information is registered. In the cell type ID field, the cell type of the CP stamp is registered. In the cell area field, the area of cell layout information is registered for each cell type of the CP stamp.

  The area table 110 is stored in a storage device included in the association apparatus 100. The area table 110 and a CP stamp library described later are associated with each other by a CP stamp ID.

(CP area calculation process)
First, in FIG. 1, the associating apparatus 100 detects a CP cell having a cell area that is equal to or smaller than the reference area S0. The associating device 100 calculates the CP area of the CP cell based on the area table 110 for each CP cell of the circuit information 101. Then, associating apparatus 100 determines whether or not the calculated CP area is equal to or smaller than reference area S0.

  Taking CP cell CP1 as an example, the CP stamp type of CP cell CP1 is CP stamp ICP_7. The CP cell CP1 has a cell Cell1 whose cell type is NOR2. Specifically, for example, the associating device 100 acquires the area of NOR2 of the CP stamp ICP_7 from the area table 110. The area of NOR2 of the CP stamp ICP_7 is the area S3. The associating device 100 calculates the area of the CP cell CP1 based on the acquired area S3. The associating device 100 determines whether or not the calculated area S3 of the CP cell CP1 is equal to or smaller than the reference area S0. The reference area S0 may be determined by the layout designer based on the maximum CP width W. The reference area S0 is assumed to be stored in a storage device accessible by the associating device 100, for example. The maximum CP width W is the maximum width that the CP stamp can take and is determined by the electron beam size. The maximum beam size is about 1.5 [μm] × 1.5 [μm], and is determined by the performance of the electron beam exposure apparatus. Here, it is determined that the area S3 of the CP cell CP1 is equal to or smaller than the reference area S0.

  Next, taking CP cell CP2 as an example, the CP stamp type of CP cell CP2 is CP stamp ICP_8. The CP cell CP2 has a cell Cell2 whose cell type is NOR3. Specifically, for example, the associating device 100 acquires the area of NOR3 of the CP stamp ICP_8 from the area table 110. The area of NOR3 of CP stamp ICP_8 is area S4. The associating device 100 calculates the area of the CP cell CP1 based on the acquired area S4. The associating device 100 determines whether or not the calculated area S4 of the CP cell CP1 is equal to or smaller than the reference area S0. Here, it is determined that the area S4 of the CP cell CP1 is equal to or smaller than the reference area S0.

  Taking the CP cell CP3 as an example, the CP stamp type of the CP cell CP3 is CP stamp ICP_6. CP cell CP3 includes cells Cell3 to Cell8 whose cell type is NOR1. Specifically, for example, the associating device 100 acquires the area of NOR1 of the CP stamp ICP_6 from the area table 110. The area of NOR1 of the CP stamp ICP_6 is the area S2. The associating device 100 calculates the area of the CP cell CP3 based on the acquired area S2. The associating device 100 determines whether or not the calculated area S2 × 6 of the CP cell CP3 is equal to or smaller than the reference area S0. Here, it is determined that the area S2 × 6 of the CP cell CP3 is larger than the reference area S0.

  Finally, taking CP cell CP4 as an example, the CP stamp type of CP cell CP4 is CP stamp ICP_3. The CP cell CP4 has a cell Cell9 whose cell type is INV2. Specifically, for example, the associating device 100 acquires the area of INV2 of the CP stamp ICP_3 from the area table 110. The area of INV2 of CP stamp ICP_3 is area S1. The associating device 100 calculates the area of the CP cell CP4 based on the acquired area S1. The associating device 100 determines whether or not the calculated area S1 of the CP cell CP4 is equal to or smaller than the reference area S0. Here, it is determined that the area S1 of the CP cell CP4 is equal to or smaller than the reference area S0.

(Association processing example 1)
Next, in FIG. 2, the associating apparatus 100 groups cells included in the CP cell, in which the CP area is determined to be equal to or less than the reference area S0, by function. For example, INV1, INV2, INV3, INV4, and INV5 all have the same function. For example, NOR1, NOR2, and NOR3 all have the same function. The type of cell included in the group grouped for each function is converted into a type having a specific driving capability among cell types having the same function as the cell. The type that is a specific driving ability is a standard type among the types that have the same function. Convert to the reference cell type. Which type is the reference type among the types of the same function may be defined in advance by the designer and stored in a storage device accessible by the associating device 100. The designer of the standard cell library creates another type having the same function and different driving capability based on the driving capability of the cell of that type. In the example of FIG. 2, the reference type in INV is INV1, and the associating device 100 converts the types of cells Cell7, Cell11, Cell12, Cell13, Cell14, and Cell15 to INV1.

  The associating device 100 extracts a CP stamp having the same type as the converted cell type from the CP stamp library 200. Then, the associating device 100 associates the extracted CP stamp with the converted cell. Thereby, in the circuit information 102, the CP cell CP14 having the CP stamp ICP_1 is created by the cells Cell7, Cell11, Cell12, Cell13, Cell14, and Cell15. In the CP cell CP14 of the circuit information 102 in FIG. 2, each cell is shown as laid out for easy understanding. However, since the circuit information 102 is a netlist, the arrangement position of each cell is determined. Not. A detailed example of the circuit information 102 is shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 2, the associating apparatus 100 groups six CP cells into one CP cell. Therefore, the associating device 100 can reduce the number of shots.

  As a result, the associating device 100 can collect and group cells included in CP cells having a reference area S0 or less, and the associating device 100 can reduce the number of shots. Furthermore, there is a possibility that the reference type is the type with the lowest driving capability. If the driving capability is low, the area in the layout is small. For this reason, the associating apparatus 100 can reduce the area of each cell, and thus can reduce the number of shots. After the associating process is performed by the associating device 100, the designer may perform timing analysis again to confirm whether or not the timing constraint is observed. Examples of the timing constraint include FF setup time and FF hold time.

(Association processing example 2)
In FIG. 3, the associating apparatus 100 converts the type of the CP cell, for which the CP area is determined to be equal to or smaller than the reference area S0, into a type having a specific driving capability among types having the same function as the cell. . In the example of FIG. 3, since the type that is a specific driving capability in NOR is NOR1, the associating device 100 converts the types of the cells Cell1 and Cell2 to NOR1.

  Then, the associating apparatus 100 specifies the type of the type that has the same function as the cell of the CP cell that the CP area is determined to be less than or equal to the reference area S0 from the CP cells that are determined not to be the reference area S0 or less. The CP cell associated with the CP stamp having the same type of cell as the type of the driving capability is detected. The associating apparatus 100 determines that the number of cells of the same type as the type of the specific driving capability of the detected CP cell is the same as the type of the specific driving capability of the CP stamp associated with the detected CP cell. It is determined whether it is less than the number of cells of type.

  For example, in the circuit information 101, it is defined in advance for each CP cell how many types of cells are used among the cells included in the CP stamp. The number of cells of the same type as the type of the specific driving capability of the detected CP cell is equal to the number of cells of the same type as the type of the specific driving capability of the CP stamp associated with the detected CP cell. If it is less than the value, the associating apparatus 100 determines that the detected CP cell has a vacancy. Thereby, the associating apparatus 100 may detect an empty CP cell based on the number of cells included in each CP cell. Alternatively, for example, by comparing a CP stamp registered in the CP stamp library 200 with a CP cell, the associating apparatus 100 may detect a free CP cell.

  When a vacant CP cell is detected, the associating device 100 associates the converted cell with the detected CP cell. As shown in the circuit information 102 in FIG. 3, the CP cell CP3 newly includes a cell Cell1 and a cell Cell2. In the CP cell CP3 of the circuit information 102 in FIG. 3, each cell is shown as being laid out for easy understanding. However, since the circuit information 102 is a netlist, the arrangement position of each cell is determined. Not. A detailed example of the circuit information 102 is shown in FIG.

  As a result, the associating device 100 can improve the efficiency of CP including a plurality of cells in the same CP cell. Since the cells included in the same CP cell are transferred to the wafer by the same shot, the associating apparatus 100 can reduce the number of shots. Further, the associating device 100 sets a type that is a specific driving capability as a reference type. Since the reference type is likely to be the most frequently used type, there may be many CP cells having the reference type cell in the circuit information 101. Therefore, there is a high possibility that there is an empty CP cell to which a new cell is added. Therefore, the associating device 100 can reduce the number of shots.

  Further, the association apparatus 100 may newly create a CP cell as shown in FIG. 2 when an empty CP cell is not detected.

(Association processing example 3)
Next, in FIG. 4, the associating apparatus 100 converts the cell having the reference area S0 or less into a combination of 2-input NAND and INV when the cell is AND or OR. Specifically, for example, the cell Cell18 whose type is an AND of three inputs can be represented by two two-input NANDs and two INVs. Further, the cell Cell19 whose type is OR of three inputs can be represented by two two-input NANDs and four INVs.

  Then, the associating apparatus 100 extracts a CP stamp including a composite cell of 2-input NADN and INV included in the CP stamp library 200. The associating device 100 associates the extracted CP stamp with the converted cell. As a result, a CP cell CP15 is created in the circuit information 102. A detailed example of the circuit information 102 is shown in FIG.

  All logic circuits can be replaced with a combination of 2-input NAND and NOT. Therefore, the associating apparatus 100 can include more cells in the same CP cell by replacing the less frequently used cells such as AND and OR with the more frequently used NAND and INV. Thereby, the number of shots can be reduced. Furthermore, if the newly created CP cell has a vacancy, another cell can be included in the newly created CP cell. Therefore, the associating device 100 can reduce the number of shots.

  In addition, since all the logic circuits can be replaced with a combination of two-input NOR and NOT, the associating device may replace cells with low use frequency such as AND and OR with NOR and INV with high use frequency. As a result, more cells can be included in the same CP cell, and the number of shots can be reduced.

(Timing constraint violation)
In FIG. 5, for example, the associating device 100 identifies a cell on a path that does not comply with the timing constraint from the circuit information 101. Here, for example, a path is a set of a series of cells and nets from an input terminal to a macro (for example, FF) and a set of cells and nets between macros (for example, FF). Or, for example, a path is a set of a series of cells and nets from a macro to an output terminal.

  For example, the cell Cell20 and the cell Cell21 are cells on a path that does not comply with the timing constraint. Next, for example, the associating apparatus 100 deletes the association between the CP cell including the specified cell and the specified cell. For example, the associating device 100 converts a cell type on a path that does not comply with the timing constraint into a type having the same function and high driving capability.

  The associating device 100 extracts from the CP stamp library 200 a CP stamp including a cell of the same type as the type of the cell after conversion. The associating device 100 associates the extracted CP stamp with the converted cell. As a result, a new CP cell CP16 is created. In the CP cell CP16 of the circuit information 102 in FIG. 5, each cell is shown as being laid out for easy understanding. However, since the circuit information 102 is a net list, the arrangement position of each cell is determined. Not. A detailed example of the circuit information 102 is shown in FIG.

  Thereby, even if a timing violation occurs, the associating device 100 can create a CP cell so that the timing constraint is observed.

  In addition, the associating device 100 identifies a non-wiring cell from the circuit information 101. A non-wiring cell is a cell that cannot be wired for connection when a plurality of cells in the circuit information 101 are laid out based on the CP cell and the CP stamp associated with the CP cell. For a cell that cannot be wired, for example, the associating device 100 may detect a location where wiring is not performed from the layout result in which the circuit information 101 is laid out. Alternatively, for example, the layout designer may detect cells that cannot be wired from the layout result, and store the detection result in a storage device accessible by the associating device 100.

  Next, the associating device 100 extracts from the CP stamp library 200 a CP stamp including a cell of the same type as the identified cell type. The associating device 100 may associate the extracted CP stamp with the identified cell. Specifically, for example, the associating device 100 may delete the association between the specified cell and the CP cell including the specified cell, and create a new CP cell. In the layout based on the circuit information in which a new CP cell is created, the placement position of the cell that cannot be routed by the placement and routing tool can be moved. Therefore, the associating device can facilitate cell wiring.

(Electron beam exposure by CP method)
Next, prior to the description of the function example of the associating apparatus 100, the electron beam exposure by the CP method will be briefly described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory view showing an example of electron beam exposure by the CP method. In the CP method, a plurality of CP stamps are prepared in advance as an electron beam stencil mask 602. The stencil mask 602 is prepared for each layer of the process using the electron beam exposure apparatus 600. FIG. 6A shows the basic CP function. In FIG. 6A, the electron beam emitted from the electron gun is shaped into a rectangle by the beam shaping first opening 601. The shaped electron beam passes through a CP stamp selected from the stencil mask 602, is shaped into a CP stamp shape, and is irradiated onto the wafer 603. The CP stamp in FIG. 6 is a figure with a hole through which an electron beam is transmitted based on each CP stamp in the CP stamp library 200 shown in FIG. As a result, the shape of the CP stamp is transferred to the wafer 603.

  The number of CP stamps that can be mounted on the stencil mask 602 is about 4000 types. The CP stamp is created based on layout data that is repeatedly used. In the case of a pattern not on the stencil mask 602, even if the pattern is similar to the CP stamp, the stencil mask 602 cannot be shared if a part of the pattern is different.

  Therefore, the CP system has a partial beam projection function as shown in FIG. The electron beam exposure apparatus 600 realizes a partial beam projection function by irradiating a part of the CP stamp with an electron beam by the variable shaping function by the beam shaping second opening 604 and the stencil mask 602. Thereby, only a part of the CP stamp on the stencil mask 602 can be transferred to the wafer 603. Therefore, for example, the electron beam exposure apparatus 600 can irradiate the wafer 603 with the layout data of one cell in the CP stamp.

  As described above, since the size of the CP stamp is determined by the beam size, the number of cells that can be included in one CP stamp is increasing as the process is miniaturized and densified. Therefore, the electron beam exposure apparatus 600 can reduce the number of shots by transferring the cells on the wafer 603 with the same shot as much as possible. Thereby, the electron beam exposure apparatus 600 can shorten the total exposure time in the manufacturing process of one wafer so that it can respond to mass production of a product.

  Next, the design flow in the present embodiment will be briefly described with reference to FIG.

(Design flow)
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a design flow in the present embodiment. The circuit information 700 is designed by RTL (Register Transfer Level) by a hardware description language.

  In the design flow according to the present embodiment, the logic synthesis tool synthesizes the circuit information 700 (step S701). Thereby, circuit information 720 which is a net list after logic synthesis is obtained. The circuit information 720 is represented as “Netlist” in FIG. Each function in the circuit information 720 is represented by a standard cell prepared in the standard cell library.

  Then, the placement and routing tool or the designer performs placement and routing and timing optimization on the circuit information 720 (step S702). Thereby, circuit information 721 which is layout data is obtained. Further, the designer may create circuit information 722 that is a Netlist obtained by extracting cell connection information from the circuit information 721.

  Next, as described in the prior art, the computer performs CP conversion layout (step S703). In the CP conversion layout, the arrangement of the cells is moved along the CP stamp with respect to the layout data, and the CP stamp in the CP stamp library 200 is associated with the layout data and the cell in the Netlist. The CP conversion layout may be performed manually by the designer.

  Then, the placement and routing tool and the timing analysis tool perform placement and routing and timing adjustment (step S704). Thereby, circuit information 723 which is layout data subjected to CP conversion is obtained. CP conversion is a process in which a computer associates layout data of a plurality of cells with a CP stamp.

  Next, the associating device 100 performs an associating process (step S705). Specifically, for example, the associating apparatus 100 performs the CP area calculation process of the CP cell in the circuit information 723 that is the circuit information 101 or the layout data as shown in FIG. 1 (step S711), and sets the end condition. It is determined whether or not the condition is satisfied (step S712). The termination condition includes, for example, that there is no CP cell whose CP area is equal to or less than a reference value, that the timing constraint is observed, and that all wiring is terminated.

  For example, when the termination condition is satisfied (step S712: Yes), the series of processes is terminated. When the end condition is not satisfied (step S712: No), the associating device 100 performs the conversion process as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5 (step S713), and returns to step S703.

(Hardware configuration example of association apparatus 100)
FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration example of the associating device 100. In FIG. 8, the associating apparatus 100 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 801, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 802, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 803. Further, the associating device 100 includes a magnetic disk drive 804, a magnetic disk 805, an optical disk drive 806, an optical disk 807, a display 808, an I / F (Interface) 809, a keyboard 810, and a mouse 811. doing. Each component is connected by a bus 800.

  Here, the CPU 801 governs overall control of the associating device 100. The ROM 802 stores a program such as a boot program. The RAM 803 is used as a work area for the CPU 801. The magnetic disk drive 804 controls reading / writing of data with respect to the magnetic disk 805 according to the control of the CPU 801. The magnetic disk 805 stores data written under the control of the magnetic disk drive 804.

  The optical disk drive 806 controls reading / writing of data with respect to the optical disk 807 according to the control of the CPU 801. The optical disk 807 stores data written under the control of the optical disk drive 806, and causes the computer to read data stored on the optical disk 807.

  The display 808 displays data such as a document, an image, and function information as well as a cursor, an icon, or a tool box. As the display 808, for example, a CRT, a TFT liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or the like can be adopted.

  The I / F 809 is connected to a network 814 such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), and the Internet through a communication line, and is connected to other devices via the network 814. The I / F 809 manages an internal interface with the network 814 and controls input / output of data from an external device. For example, a modem or a LAN adapter can be adopted as the I / F 809.

  The keyboard 810 includes keys for inputting characters, numbers, various instructions, and the like, and inputs data. Moreover, a touch panel type input pad or a numeric keypad may be used. The mouse 811 performs cursor movement, range selection, window movement, size change, and the like. A trackball or a joystick may be used as long as they have the same function as a pointing device.

(CP stamp library 200)
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the CP stamp library 200. As described above, the CP stamp library 200 stores a plurality of CP stamps laid out with one or a plurality of cells as one figure, for example. In FIG. 9, CP stamps ICP_1 to ICP_10 are shown. The CP stamp library 200 is stored in a storage device such as a ROM 802, a RAM 803, a magnetic disk 805, and an optical disk 807.

  For example, the CP stamp ICP_1 is layout data having 12 INV1s. CP stamp ICP_2 is layout data in which FFA and two NANDs 1 are combined. The CP stamp ICP_3 is layout data having eight INV2. CP stamp ICP_4 is layout data having nine MUX1s.

  CP stamp ICP_5 is layout data having eight NAND1s. CP stamp ICP_6 is layout data having eight NOR1s. CP stamp ICP_7 is layout data having six NOR2. CP stamp ICP_8 is layout data having six NOR3. CP stamp ICP_9 is layout data of a composite cell having four NANDs and six INV1s. CP stamp ICP_10 is layout data of a composite cell having six NANDs and two INV1s.

(Circuit information 101)
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the circuit information 101. As described above, the circuit information 101 is, for example, a net list created from layout data in which each cell is associated with a CP stamp after provisional placement and routing. For example, the circuit information 101 includes a module 0001. In the example of FIG. 10, the module 0001 has cells Cell <b> 1 to Cell <b> 21.

  Each cell has information indicating which CP cell it is included in. In the example of FIG. 10, “CP stamp ID”, “CP instance name”, “total number of cells”, “cell ID (number of cells, number of cells used)” are defined before the input information and output information of each cell. It has been described. The CP stamp ID is identification information of the CP stamp. A CP instance name is assigned to each CP cell, and each CP cell is distinguished by the CP instance name. The total number of cells is the number of cells that the CP stamp indicated by the CP stamp ID has. The cell ID of the cell ID (number of cells, number of used cells) is identification information indicating the cell type of the CP stamp indicated by the CP stamp ID. The cell number of the cell ID (the number of cells, the number of cells used) is the number of cells indicated by the cell ID included in the CP stamp indicated by the CP stamp ID. The cell usage number of the cell ID (cell number, cell usage number) is the number of cells indicated by the cell ID used by the CP cell distinguished by the instance name. Here, “CP stamp ID”, “CP instance name”, “total number of cells”, and “cell ID (number of cells, number of used cells)” are assigned to each cell in the circuit information 101. It may be tabulated.

  Take cell Cell1 as an example. Cell Cell1 is a 2-input NOR. The circuit information 101 describes “Cell1 (ICP — 7 CP1 6 NOR2 (6, 1), IN1-1, IN1-2, OUT1);”. In this description, “ICP — 7” is “CP stamp ID”, “CP1” is “CP instance name”, and “6” is the total number of cells. Further, in this description, “NOR2 (6, 1)” has a cell ID of NOR2, the number of cells of NOR2 included in the CP stamp ICP_7 is 6, and the number of cells used in the CP cell Cell1 is 1. In this description, “IN1-1” and “IN1-2” are inputs to the cell Cell1, and “OUT1” is an output from the cell Cell1.

  In the cell Cell19 in the circuit information 101, the input / output information is described as “OUT18, IN1-19-2, IN19-3, OUT19”. However, as shown in FIG. 4, the output of the cell Cell18 is the cell Cell19. Therefore, “OUT18” is an output of the cell Cell18 and an input of the cell Cell19.

  The circuit information 101 is stored in a storage device such as the ROM 802, the RAM 803, the magnetic disk 805, and the optical disk 807. Thus, the designer of the placement and routing tool and the layout data can determine which CP cell each cell is included in.

(Functional example of association apparatus 100)
FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the associating device 100. The associating device 100 includes a calculation unit 1101, an area determination unit 1102, a classification unit 1103, a conversion unit 1104, a detection unit 1105, a vacancy determination unit 1106, an extraction unit 1107, an identification unit 1108, and an association unit 1109. And have.

  Specifically, each process of the calculation unit 1101 to the association unit 1109 is coded in an association program stored in a storage device such as the ROM 802, the RAM 803, the magnetic disk 805, and the optical disk 807 shown in FIG. For example, the CPU 801 reads the association program stored in the storage device and executes the processing coded in the association program. Thereby, the functions of the calculating unit 1101 to the associating unit 1109 are realized.

  The processing results of the calculation unit 1101 to the association unit 1109 are stored in a storage device such as the ROM 802, the RAM 803, the magnetic disk 805, and the optical disk 807, for example.

  First, the calculation unit 1101 calculates the area when the cells included in the CP cell are laid out for each CP cell of the plurality of CP cells in the circuit information 101 based on the area of each cell included in the associated CP stamp. Is calculated. As described with reference to FIG. 1, the calculation unit 1101 acquires the area of the cell included in the CP cell from the area table 110 based on the identification information of the CP stamp associated with the CP cell for each CP cell. Then, the calculation unit 1101 calculates the CP area when all the cells of the CP cell are laid out. The relationship “the number of cells of a CP cell ≦ the number of cells included in a CP stamp associated with the CP cell” is established. In the example of FIG. 1, the area of the CP cell CP1 is S3, the area of the CP cell CP2 is S4, the area of the CP cell CP3 is S2 × 6, and the area of the CP cell CP4 is S1.

  The area determination unit 1102 determines for each CP cell whether or not the CP area calculated by the calculation unit 1101 is equal to or less than a reference value. As described above, the reference value is the reference area S0. For example, the reference area S0 is stored in a storage device such as the ROM 802, the RAM 803, the magnetic disk 805, and the optical disk 807. In the example of FIG. 1, the area S3 of the CP cell CP1 is equal to or smaller than the reference area S0, the area S4 of the CP cell CP2 is equal to or smaller than the reference area S0, and the area S2 × 6 of the CP cell CP3 is larger than the reference area S0. The area S1 of the cell CP4 is equal to or less than the reference area S0.

  The classification unit 1103 groups the cells included in the CP cell determined by the area determination unit 1102 to be equal to or less than the reference value for each function.

  The conversion unit 1104 converts the cell type of each group newly grouped by the classification unit 1103 into a type having a specific driving capability among the types having the same function as the cell function of each group. . In the example of FIG. 2, the types of the cells Cell7 and Cell11 to Cell15 are converted to INV1.

  The extraction unit 1107 extracts, from the CP stamp library 200, a CP stamp having a cell of a type having a specific driving ability among types having the same function as the cell function of each group newly grouped by the classification unit 1103. Extract. In the example of FIG. 2, CP stamp ICP_1 having INV1 is extracted.

  The associating unit 1109 generates a new CP cell by associating the CP stamp extracted by the extracting unit 1107 with the converted cell. In the example of FIG. 2, CP cell CP14 is created.

  In addition, when the function of a cell included in the CP cell whose area is determined to be equal to or less than the reference value is a specific function, the conversion unit 1104 determines that the cell classified by the classification unit 1103 is a cell representing a negative logical product. Convert to a cell combination that represents negation. Specific functions include AND and OR, for example. In the example of FIG. 4, the conversion unit 1104 disassembles the cell Cell 18 that is a 3-input AND and converts the cell Cell 18 and Cell 24 that are 2-input NANDs into a combination of the cells Cell 23 and Cell 25 that are INVs. In the example of FIG. 4, the conversion unit 1104 is obtained by disassembling the cell Cell 19 that is a three-input OR, and combining the cells Cell 29 and Cell 31 that are two-input NANDs and the cells Cell 26 to Cell 28 and Cell 30 that are INBs. Convert. Specifically, for example, the associating apparatus 100 can convert AND or OR into a combination of two-input NAND and INV by using a Tree-Covering technique. Regarding the conversion from AND / OR to the combination of NAND / INV, the conversion result may be stored in advance in a storage device such as ROM 802, RAM 803, magnetic disk 805, optical disk 807 for each type of AND / OR.

  The extraction unit 1107 converts a CP stamp having a cell having the same type as the cell type representing the negative AND of the combination converted by the conversion unit 1104 and a cell having the same type as the cell type indicating the negative. Extract from library 200. In the example of FIG. 4, for example, CP stamp ICP_9 is extracted.

  The associating unit 1109 associates the extracted CP stamp with the converted combination. In the example of FIG. 4, for example, the CP cell CP15 associated with the CP stamp ICP_9 is created.

(Process to associate with free CP cell)
The conversion unit 1104 converts the cell type of the CP cell, whose area is determined to be equal to or less than the reference value, to the reference type among the types having the same function as the function of the cell. For example, in the example of FIG. 3, conversion section 1104 converts the type of cell Cell1 of CP cell CP1 and the type of cell Cell2 of CP cell CP2 into NOR1.

  The detection unit 1105 includes, from the CP cells determined not to be equal to or less than the reference value, a CP having a cell of the same type as that of a specific driving capability among the types having the same function as that of the cell of the first CP cell. A second CP cell associated with the stamp is detected. In the example of FIG. 3, the CP cell CP3 determined by the area determination unit 1102 to be not less than or equal to the reference value is detected.

  The vacancy determination unit 1106 includes the CP stamp associated with the second CP cell in which the number of cells of the same type as the type of the specific driving capability of the second CP cell detected by the detection unit 1105 is included. It is determined whether or not the number of cells of the same type as that of the specific drive capability is less. In the circuit information 101 shown in FIG. 10, the cell usage rate in the CP stamp ICP_6 associated with the CP cell CP3 is attached. For example, the number of NOR1s included in the CP stamp ICP_6 is eight, but the number of NOR1s included in the CP cell CP3 is six. Therefore, the empty determination unit 1106 determines that the number of NOR1s possessed by the CP cell CP3 is less than the number of NOR1s possessed by the CP stamp ICP_6 associated with the CP cell CP3.

  The associating unit 1109 includes the CP stamp associated with the second CP cell in which the number of cells of the same type as the type of the specific driving capability of the second CP cell detected by the vacancy determining unit 1106 When it is determined that the number of cells of the same type as that of the specific drive capability is less than the number, the cell converted by the conversion unit 1104 is included in the second CP cell. In the example of FIG. 3, the cell Cell11 and the cell Cell12 are included in the CP cell CP3 in the circuit information 102.

  Here, the conversion process by the conversion unit 1104 and the determination process of the empty CP cell by the detection unit 1105 and the empty determination unit 1106 may be performed first, and are not particularly limited.

  In addition, the number of cells of the same type as the type of the specific drive capability of the second CP cell is equal to the type of cell of the same type as the type of the specific drive capability of the CP stamp associated with the second CP cell. When it is determined that the number is not less than the number, the classification unit 1103 may classify the cells included in the first CP cell for each function. Thereafter, as described above, the associating apparatus 100 performs the processing by the conversion unit 1104, the extraction unit 1107, and the associating unit 1109, thereby performing the associating process as illustrated in FIG.

(Timing violation)
The identifying unit 1108 identifies, from the circuit information 101, a cell on a path that is determined not to comply with the timing constraint in the timing analysis for the circuit information 101. For example, the timing analysis result is stored in a storage device such as the ROM 802, the RAM 803, the magnetic disk 805, and the optical disk 807. In the example of FIG. 5, cells Cell20 and Cell21 in the CP cell CP13 are extracted.

  The conversion unit 1104 converts the cell type specified by the specifying unit 1108 from cell types having the same function as the specified cell to a cell type having a higher driving capability than the specified cell type. In the example of FIG. 5 described above, the conversion unit 1104 converts the type of the cells Cell20 and Cell21 from INV1 to INV2.

  The extraction unit 1107 extracts from the CP stamp library 200 a CP stamp having a cell of the same type as the cell converted by the conversion unit 1104. For example, the CP stamp ICP_3 having INV2, which is the cell type of the cells Cell20 and Cell21, is extracted.

  The associating unit 1109 creates a new CP cell by associating the extracted CP stamp with the converted cell. In the example of FIG. 5 described above, the CP cell CP16 is created in the circuit information 102.

(Non-wiring cell)
Further, the specifying unit 1108 specifies a cell that cannot be wired from the circuit information 101. As described above, for a non-wiring cell, for example, the associating device 100 may detect a cell that is not wired from the circuit information 723 in which the circuit information 101 is laid out. Alternatively, for example, the layout designer may detect cells that cannot be wired from the circuit information 723 in advance and store them in a storage device such as the ROM 802, RAM 803, magnetic disk 805, or optical disk 807 in advance.

  Then, the extraction unit 1107 extracts from the CP stamp library 200 a CP stamp that includes a cell of the same type as the identified cell type. The associating unit 1109 associates the extracted CP stamp with the specified cell. As a result, the non-wiring cell is separated from the CP cell including the cell, and a new CP cell is created. In the layout based on the circuit information in which a new CP cell is created, the placement position of the cell that cannot be routed by the placement and routing tool can be moved. Therefore, the associating device can facilitate cell wiring.

  FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the circuit information 102 after conversion. In the circuit information 102, as indicated by a dotted line frame 1201, the type of the cells Cell1 and Cell2 is NOR1. In the circuit information 102, as indicated by dotted line frames 1202-1 and 1202-2, the types of the cells Cell9 and Cell11-15 are INV1.

  In the circuit information 102, a cell Cell18 that is an AND of three inputs is converted into cells Cell22 to Cell25, and a cell Cell19 that is an OR of three inputs is converted to cells Cell26 to Cell31.

  As indicated by a dotted line frame 1203, in the circuit information 102, the cell types of the cells Cell20 and Cell21 are INV2.

  The circuit information 102 is stored in a storage device such as the ROM 802, the RAM 803, the magnetic disk 805, and the optical disk 807. Thereby, the designer of the placement and routing tool and the layout data can determine which CP cell each cell is included in.

  Thereby, the associating apparatus 100 can improve the efficiency of CP grouping that is grouped into the same CP stamp. Therefore, the associating device 100 can reduce the number of shots.

(Association procedure)
FIGS. 13 to 16 are flowcharts illustrating an example of the association processing procedure performed by the association apparatus 100. First, the associating device 100 determines whether there is an unselected CP cell (step S1301). For example, the associating device 100 may set the entire circuit information 101 as a target of the associating process, or may select a module selected in the circuit information 101 as a target of the associating device. In this flowchart, as an example, the associating device 100 sets the entire circuit information 101 as the target of the associating process.

  When there is an unselected CP cell (step S1301: Yes), the associating apparatus 100 selects one CP cell from the unselected CP cells (step S1302). Then, the associating device 100 determines whether there is a cell on the path that does not comply with the timing constraint in the selected CP cell (step S1303).

  Next, when there is no cell on the path that does not comply with the timing constraint in the selected CP cell (step S1303: No), the associating device 100 calculates the CP area of the selected CP cell (step S1304). . The processing from step S1301 to step S1304 is step S711 shown in FIG.

  Then, the associating apparatus 100 determines whether or not the CP area of the selected CP cell ≧ the reference area S0 (step S1305). If the CP area of the selected CP cell is not greater than or equal to the reference area S0 (step S1305: No), the associating apparatus 100 detects the selected CP cell as a CP cell having a reference area S0 or less (step S1306). In the flowchart shown in FIG. 13, the associating apparatus 100 sequentially performs a combination of calculation of the CP area of the CP cell and determination of whether or not the CP area is equal to or less than a reference value. Not limited to this, the associating apparatus 100 may determine whether or not the CP area is equal to or less than a reference value after calculation for each CP area of all CP cells.

  On the other hand, when there is a cell on the path that does not comply with the timing constraint in the selected CP cell (step S1303: Yes), the process returns to step S1301. If the CP area of the selected CP cell is not greater than or equal to the reference area S0 (step S1305: Yes), the process returns to step S1301.

  If there is no unselected CP cell in step S1301 (step S1301: No), the associating apparatus 100 determines whether there is a detected CP cell (step S1307). When there is no detected CP cell (step S1307: No), the process proceeds to step S1325.

  When there is a detected CP cell (step S1307: Yes), the associating apparatus 100 classifies the cells included in the detected CP cell for each function (step S1308). Next, the associating device 100 determines whether there is an unselected group among the groups grouped for each function (step S1309). When there is no unselected group among the grouped groups (step S1309: No), the process proceeds to step S1325.

  On the other hand, when there is an unselected group among the grouped groups (step S1309: Yes), the associating device 100 selects one group from the unselected groups (step S1310). Next, the associating device 100 detects, from the circuit information 101, a CP cell having a reference type cell that is the same function as the cell function of the selected group and not less than the reference CP area. (Step S1311). Then, the associating device 100 identifies a vacant CP cell among the detected CP cells (step S1312), and determines whether a vacant CP cell is identified (step S1313).

  When a vacant CP cell is not specified (step S1313: No), the process proceeds to step 1318. On the other hand, when a vacant CP cell is identified (step S1313: Yes), the associating apparatus 100 selects, from the selected group, cell types corresponding to the number of vacant cells in the identified CP cell. Among the types having the same function as the cell function of the group that has been selected, it is converted into a reference type (step S1314). Then, associating apparatus 100 associates the converted cell with the specified CP cell (step S1315), and removes the converted cell from the selected group (step S1316). Next, the associating device 100 determines whether or not the selected group is empty (step S1317). More specifically, in step S1317, associating apparatus 100 may determine whether all cells of the selected group are associated with a vacant CP cell. If the selected group is empty (step S1317: YES), the process returns to step S1309. When the selected group is not empty (step S1317: No), the process proceeds to step S1318.

  Next, the associating apparatus 100 determines whether the selected group is AND or OR (step S1318). When the selected group is not AND or OR (step S1318: No), the associating apparatus 100 sets the cell type of the selected group as a reference among the types having the same function as the cell function of the selected group. (Step S1319).

  Then, associating apparatus 100 extracts, from CP stamp library 200, a CP stamp including a cell of a reference type among types having the same function as the cell function of the selected group (step S1320). Next, the associating apparatus 100 associates the extracted CP stamp with the converted cell (step S1321), and returns to step S1309.

  In step S1318, when the cell of the selected group is AND or OR (step S1318: Yes), the associating apparatus 100 converts the AND or OR of the selected group into a combination of NAND and INV (step S1322). . The associating device 100 extracts a CP stamp that is a combination of NAND and INV from the CP stamp library 200 (step S1323), associates the extracted CP stamp with the converted cell (step S1324), and returns to step S1309.

  The associating device 100 determines whether there is a path that does not comply with the timing constraint (step S1325). When there is a path that does not comply with the timing constraint (step S1325: Yes), the associating apparatus 100 detects a cell on the path from the circuit information 101 (step S1326). The associating device 100 converts the type of the detected cell into a type having the same function as that of the detected cell and high driving capability (step S1327).

  Next, the associating device 100 extracts a CP stamp including a cell of the same type as the detected cell type from the CP stamp library 200 (step S1328), and associates the extracted CP stamp with the detected cell ( Step S1329) and the process proceeds to Step S1330. Here, the associating device 100 converts a cell type on the path that does not comply with the timing constraint into a type having a higher driving capability than the type, and creates a new CP cell. Not limited to this, associating apparatus 100 may include the converted cell in the empty CP cell if there is an empty CP cell having the same type of cell as the type of the converted cell.

  In step S1325, when there is no path that does not comply with the timing constraint (step S1325: No), the associating apparatus 100 determines whether there is a cell that cannot be wired (step S1330). When there is a non-wiring cell (step S1330: Yes), the associating device 100 identifies a non-wiring cell from the circuit information 101 (step S1331). The associating device 100 extracts a CP stamp including a cell of the same type as the specified cell type from the CP stamp library 200 (step S1332). Then, the associating device 100 associates the extracted CP stamp with the identified cell (step S1333), and proceeds to the CP conversion layout (step S703) shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, in step S1330, when there is no non-routable cell (step S1330: No), the associating apparatus 100 determines whether or not cell conversion has been performed (step S1334). When cell conversion is not performed (step S1334: No), since it is determined that the end condition is satisfied in step S712 illustrated in FIG. 7, the series of processing ends. If cell conversion is being performed (step S1334: Yes), the end condition is not satisfied in step S712 shown in FIG. 7, and the process proceeds to the CP conversion layout (step S703) shown in FIG.

  As described above, the associating device classifies the cells included in the CP cell whose area is equal to or less than the reference value based on the function, converts the cell type to a type having a specific driving capability for each classification, The cells are grouped to generate a new CP cell. Accordingly, the associating device can increase the number of cells included in each CP cell and decrease the number of CP cells. Therefore, the associating device can reduce the number of shots.

  All logic circuits can be replaced with a combination of 2-input NAND and NOT. Therefore, the associating device converts OR and AND into a combination of two-input NAND and INV. If the CP stamp of the composite cell having two inputs NAND and NOT is registered in the CP stamp library, the associating device can associate the replaced cell as a new CP cell with the CP stamp. Therefore, the associating device can include more cells in the same CP cell by replacing the less frequently used cells such as AND and OR with the more frequently used NAND and INV. Thereby, the associating device can reduce the number of shots.

  Further, the associating device converts a cell type of a CP cell having an area equal to or smaller than a reference value into a type having a specific driving capability, and if there is an empty CP cell having the cell of the type, the converted cell Are included in the CP cell. As a result, the associating device can group more cells included in the circuit information into the same CP cell, so that the number of shots can be reduced.

  In addition, when the cell type of a CP cell having an area less than or equal to a reference value is converted into a type having a specific driving capability, and the CP cell having the cell of the type has no vacancy, the area is less than or equal to the reference value. A new CP cell is created by grouping the cells of the CP cell based on the function. Thereby, the number of CP cells can be reduced. Therefore, the associating device can reduce the number of shots.

  Further, the associating device converts a cell type on the path that does not comply with the timing constraint into a type having a higher driving capability than the type, and creates a new CP cell. Thereby, even if a timing violation occurs, the associating device can create a CP cell so as to comply with the timing constraint.

  Further, the associating device creates a new CP cell by separating the non-routable cell from the CP cell including the non-routable cell. In the layout based on the circuit information in which a new CP cell is created, the placement position of the cell that cannot be routed by the placement and routing tool can be moved. Therefore, the associating device can facilitate cell wiring.

  Also, since the electron beam exposure apparatus uses a common stencil mask that does not depend on the product type, the cost of the mask can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost of the semiconductor integrated circuit can be reduced.

  The association method described in the present embodiment can be realized by executing an association program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. The association program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. The association program may be distributed through a network such as the Internet.

  The following additional notes are disclosed with respect to the embodiment described above.

(Supplementary Note 1) A computer capable of accessing a storage device that stores a plurality of layout information each having one or a plurality of cells and a cell area of each of the plurality of layout information,
A plurality of cells in the circuit information are grouped based on the plurality of layout information stored in the storage device, and each group of a plurality of groups each associated with one of the plurality of layout information, Based on the area of the cells stored in the storage device, calculate the area when the cells of the group are laid out,
Determine whether the area calculated for each group is below a reference value,
Group the cells of the group determined to be less than or equal to the reference value by function,
The type of cell included in each newly grouped group is converted into a type that is a specific driving capability among the types of cells having the same function as the function of the cells included in each group,
From the plurality of layout information, extract layout information having cells of the same type as the type that is the specific driving capability,
Associating the extracted layout information with the converted cells;
An association method characterized by executing a process.

(Additional remark 2) The process which converts the classification of the cell contained in each said group into the classification which is the said specific drive capability,
When a function of a cell included in the group in which the calculated area is determined to be equal to or less than the reference value is a specific function, the cell included in the determined group represents a negative logical product having two inputs. Convert it to a combination of cell and negation,
The process of extracting layout information having cells of the same type as the type that is a specific driving ability among the types of cells having the same function as the cells included in each group,
Layout information including a cell having the same type as the cell type representing the negative AND of the converted combination and a cell having the same type as the cell type representing the negation is extracted from the plurality of layout information. ,
The process of associating the extracted layout information with the converted cell includes:
The association method according to claim 1, wherein the extracted layout information is associated with the converted combination.

(Additional remark 3) The computer which can access the memory | storage device which memorize | stores the some layout information which each has one or several cells, and the area of the cell which each of these several layout information has,
A plurality of cells in the circuit information are grouped based on the plurality of layout information stored in the storage device, and each group of a plurality of groups each associated with one of the plurality of layout information, Based on the area of the cells stored in the storage device, calculate the area when the cells of the group are laid out,
It is determined for each group whether or not the calculated area is below the reference value,
The cell type of the first group determined to be equal to or less than the reference value is converted into a specific driving capability type among the types having the same function as the cell function of the first group,
A second group associated with layout information having cells of the same type as the type of the specific driving capability is detected from the group determined not to be equal to or less than the reference value;
The number of cells of the same type as the type of the specific driving capability of the detected second group is the same type of cells as the type of the specific driving capability of the layout information associated with the second group. To determine whether it is less than the number of
If it is determined that the number of cells of the same type that the second group has is less than the number of cells of the same type that the layout information associated with the second group has, the converted cells In the second group,
An association method characterized by executing a process.

(Appendix 4) The computer
When it is determined that the number of cells of the same type that the second group has is not less than the number of cells of the same type that the layout information associated with the second group has, the first group Group cells by function,
A cell included in each newly grouped group is converted into a cell of a type that is a specific driving capability among cell types having the same function as the cell included in each group,
From the plurality of layout information, extract layout information having cells of the same type as the type that is a specific driving capability among the types of cells having the same function as the functions of the cells included in each group,
Associating the extracted layout information with the converted cells;
4. The associating method according to appendix 3, wherein the process is executed.

(Additional remark 5) The process which converts the cell contained in each newly grouped group into the cell of the kind which is a specific drive capability among the types of the cell of the same function as the function of the cell contained in each said group Is
When the function of the cell included in the first group determined that the calculated area is equal to or less than the reference value is a specific function, the cell included in the first group is a cell representing a negative logical product. Convert it to a cell combination that represents negation,
The process of extracting layout information having cells of the same type as the type that is a specific driving ability among the types of cells having the same function as the cells included in each group,
Layout information including a cell having the same type as the cell type representing the negative AND of the converted combination and a cell having the same type as the cell type representing the negation is extracted from the plurality of layout information. ,
The process of associating the extracted layout information with the converted cell includes:
The association method according to appendix 4, wherein the extracted layout information is associated with the converted combination.

(Appendix 6) The computer
Identify cells on the path that do not comply with timing constraints from the circuit information,
The identified cell type is converted into a cell type having the same function as the identified cell and having a higher driving capability than the identified cell type,
Extracting layout information having cells of the same type as the converted cells from the plurality of layout information,
Associating the extracted layout information with the converted cells;
6. The association method according to any one of appendices 1 to 5, wherein the process is executed.

(Supplementary note 7)
When the plurality of cells in the circuit information are laid out based on the plurality of groups and the layout information associated with each of the plurality of groups, the cell determined to be unable to be wired is identified from the circuit information. And
Extracting layout information having the same type of cells as the identified cells from the plurality of layout information,
Associating the extracted layout information with the identified cell;
The association method according to any one of appendices 1 to 6, wherein the process is executed.

(Supplementary Note 8) A computer that can access a storage device that stores a plurality of layout information each having one or a plurality of cells and a cell area of each of the plurality of layout information.
A plurality of cells in the circuit information are grouped based on the plurality of layout information stored in the storage device, and each group of a plurality of groups each associated with one of the plurality of layout information, Based on the area of the cells stored in the storage device, calculate the area when the cells of the group are laid out,
Determine whether the area calculated for each group is below a reference value,
Group the cells of the group determined to be less than or equal to the reference value by function,
The type of cell included in each newly grouped group is converted into a type that is a specific driving capability among the types of cells having the same function as the function of the cells included in each group,
From the plurality of layout information, extract layout information having cells of the same type as the type that is the specific driving capability,
Associating the extracted layout information with the converted cells;
An association program characterized by causing a process to be executed.

(Supplementary Note 9) A computer that can access a storage device that stores a plurality of layout information each having one or a plurality of cells, and an area of each cell that each of the plurality of layout information has,
A plurality of cells in the circuit information are grouped based on the plurality of layout information stored in the storage device, and each group of a plurality of groups each associated with one of the plurality of layout information, Based on the area of the cells stored in the storage device, calculate the area when the cells of the group are laid out,
It is determined for each group whether or not the calculated area is below the reference value,
The cell type of the first group determined to be equal to or less than the reference value is converted into a specific driving capability type among the types having the same function as the cell function of the first group,
A second group associated with layout information having cells of the same type as the type of the specific driving capability is detected from the group determined not to be equal to or less than the reference value;
The number of cells of the same type as the type of the specific driving capability of the detected second group is the same type of cells as the type of the specific driving capability of the layout information associated with the second group. To determine whether it is less than the number of
If it is determined that the number of cells of the same type that the second group has is less than the number of cells of the same type that the layout information associated with the second group has, the converted cells In the second group,
An association program characterized by causing a process to be executed.

(Supplementary Note 10) A storage device that stores a plurality of layout information each having one or a plurality of cells, and an area of a cell that each of the plurality of layout information has,
A plurality of cells in the circuit information are grouped based on the plurality of layout information stored in the storage device, and each group of a plurality of groups each associated with one of the plurality of layout information, Based on the area of the cells stored in the storage device, a calculation unit that calculates the area when the cells of the group are laid out;
An area determination unit for determining whether the area calculated for each group is equal to or less than a reference value;
A classifying unit that groups the cells of the group determined to be equal to or less than the reference value for each function;
A conversion unit that converts a type of a cell included in each newly grouped group into a type that is a specific driving capability among cell types having the same function as the function of the cells included in each group;
An extraction unit that extracts layout information having cells of the same type as the type that is the specific driving capability from the plurality of layout information;
An associating unit for associating the extracted layout information with the converted cell;
An association apparatus characterized by comprising:

(Supplementary Note 11) A storage device that stores a plurality of layout information each having one or a plurality of cells, and an area of a cell that each of the plurality of layout information has,
A plurality of cells in the circuit information are grouped based on the plurality of layout information stored in the storage device, and each group of a plurality of groups each associated with one of the plurality of layout information, Based on the area of the cells stored in the storage device, a calculation unit that calculates the area when the cells of the group are laid out;
An area determination unit that determines for each group whether or not the calculated area is below a reference value;
A conversion for converting a cell type of the first group determined to be equal to or less than the reference value into a type of a specific driving capability among the types having the same function as the cell function of the first group. And
A detection unit for detecting a second group associated with layout information having a cell of the same type as the type of the specific driving capability from a group determined not to be equal to or less than the reference value;
The number of cells of the same type as the type of the specific driving capability of the detected second group is the same type of cells as the type of the specific driving capability of the layout information associated with the second group. A vacancy determination unit that determines whether the number is less than
If it is determined that the number of cells of the same type that the second group has is less than the number of cells of the same type that the layout information associated with the second group has, the converted cells An association part to be included in the second group;
An association apparatus characterized by comprising:

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Association apparatus 101,102 Circuit information 110 Area table 200 CP stamp library 1101 Calculation part 1102 Area judgment part 1103 Classification part 1104 Conversion part 1105 Detection part 1106 Empty judgment part 1107 Extraction part 1109 Association part 0001 Module ICP_1-ICP_10 CP stamp Cell1- Cell21 cell

Claims (10)

A computer that can access a storage device that stores a plurality of layout information each having one or a plurality of cells, and an area of a cell that each of the plurality of layout information has,
A plurality of cells in the circuit information are grouped based on the plurality of layout information stored in the storage device, and each group of a plurality of groups each associated with one of the plurality of layout information, Based on the area of the cells stored in the storage device, calculate the area when the cells of the group are laid out,
Determine whether the area calculated for each group is below a reference value,
Group the cells of the group determined to be less than or equal to the reference value by function,
The type of cell included in each newly grouped group is converted into a type that is a specific driving capability among the types of cells having the same function as the function of the cells included in each group,
From the plurality of layout information, extract layout information having cells of the same type as the type that is the specific driving capability,
Associating the extracted layout information with the converted cells;
An association method characterized by executing a process. The process of converting the type of cell included in each group into the type that is the specific driving capability is as follows:
When a function of a cell included in the group in which the calculated area is determined to be equal to or less than the reference value is a specific function, the cell included in the determined group represents a negative logical product having two inputs. Convert it to a combination of cell and negation,
The process of extracting layout information having cells of the same type as the type that is a specific driving ability among the types of cells having the same function as the cells included in each group,
Layout information including a cell having the same type as the cell type representing the negative AND of the converted combination and a cell having the same type as the cell type representing the negation is extracted from the plurality of layout information. ,
The process of associating the extracted layout information with the converted cell includes:
The association method according to claim 1, wherein the extracted layout information is associated with the converted combination. A computer that can access a storage device that stores a plurality of layout information each having one or a plurality of cells, and an area of a cell that each of the plurality of layout information has,
A plurality of cells in the circuit information are grouped based on the plurality of layout information stored in the storage device, and each group of a plurality of groups each associated with one of the plurality of layout information, Based on the area of the cells stored in the storage device, calculate the area when the cells of the group are laid out,
It is determined for each group whether or not the calculated area is below the reference value,
The cell type of the first group determined to be equal to or less than the reference value is converted into a specific driving capability type among the types having the same function as the cell function of the first group,
A second group associated with layout information having cells of the same type as the type of the specific driving capability is detected from the group determined not to be equal to or less than the reference value;
The number of cells of the same type as the type of the specific driving capability of the detected second group is the same type of cells as the type of the specific driving capability of the layout information associated with the second group. To determine whether it is less than the number of
When it is determined that the number of cells of the same type that the second group has is less than the number of cells of the same type that the layout information associated with the second group has, the first group The cell having the type converted into the type of the specific driving capability is excluded from the first group and included in the second group,
An association method characterized by executing a process. The computer is
When it is determined that the number of cells of the same type that the second group has is not less than the number of cells of the same type that the layout information associated with the second group has, the first group Group cells by function,
A cell included in each newly grouped group is converted into a cell of a type that is a specific driving capability among cell types having the same function as the cell included in each group,
From the plurality of layout information, extract layout information having cells of the same type as the type that is a specific driving capability among the types of cells having the same function as the functions of the cells included in each group,
Associating the extracted layout information with the converted cells;
The association method according to claim 3, wherein a process is executed. The computer is
Identify cells on the path that do not comply with timing constraints from the circuit information,
The identified cell type is converted into a cell type having the same function as the identified cell and having a higher driving capability than the identified cell type,
Extracting layout information having cells of the same type as the converted cells from the plurality of layout information,
Associating the extracted layout information with the converted cells;
5. The associating method according to claim 1, wherein processing is executed. The computer is
When a plurality of cells in the circuit information are laid out based on the plurality of groups and layout information associated with each of the plurality of groups, a cell determined to be unable to be wired is identified from the circuit information. ,
Extracting layout information having the same type of cells as the identified cells from the plurality of layout information,
Associating the extracted layout information with the identified cell;
6. The association method according to claim 1, wherein the process is executed. A computer capable of accessing a storage device that stores a plurality of layout information each having one or a plurality of cells, and an area of a cell each of the plurality of layout information;
A plurality of cells in the circuit information are grouped based on the plurality of layout information stored in the storage device, and each group of a plurality of groups each associated with one of the plurality of layout information, Based on the area of the cells stored in the storage device, calculate the area when the cells of the group are laid out,
Determine whether the area calculated for each group is below a reference value,
Group the cells of the group determined to be less than or equal to the reference value by function,
The type of cell included in each newly grouped group is converted into a type that is a specific driving capability among the types of cells having the same function as the function of the cells included in each group,
From the plurality of layout information, extract layout information having cells of the same type as the type that is the specific driving capability,
Associating the extracted layout information with the converted cells;
An association program characterized by causing a process to be executed. A computer capable of accessing a storage device that stores a plurality of layout information each having one or a plurality of cells, and an area of a cell each of the plurality of layout information;
A plurality of cells in the circuit information are grouped based on the plurality of layout information stored in the storage device, and each group of a plurality of groups each associated with one of the plurality of layout information, Based on the area of the cells stored in the storage device, calculate the area when the cells of the group are laid out,
It is determined for each group whether or not the calculated area is below the reference value,
The cell type of the first group determined to be equal to or less than the reference value is converted into a specific driving capability type among the types having the same function as the cell function of the first group,
A second group associated with layout information having cells of the same type as the type of the specific driving capability is detected from the group determined not to be equal to or less than the reference value;
The number of cells of the same type as the type of the specific driving capability of the detected second group is the same type of cells as the type of the specific driving capability of the layout information associated with the second group. To determine whether it is less than the number of
When it is determined that the number of cells of the same type that the second group has is less than the number of cells of the same type that the layout information associated with the second group has, the first group The cell having the type converted into the type of the specific driving capability is excluded from the first group and included in the second group,
An association program characterized by causing a process to be executed. A storage device that stores a plurality of layout information each having one or a plurality of cells, and an area of a cell that each of the plurality of layout information has;
A plurality of cells in the circuit information are grouped based on the plurality of layout information stored in the storage device, and each group of a plurality of groups each associated with one of the plurality of layout information, Based on the area of the cells stored in the storage device, a calculation unit that calculates the area when the cells of the group are laid out;
An area determination unit for determining whether the area calculated for each group is equal to or less than a reference value;
A classifying unit that groups the cells of the group determined to be equal to or less than the reference value for each function;
A conversion unit that converts a type of a cell included in each newly grouped group into a type that is a specific driving capability among cell types having the same function as the function of the cells included in each group;
An extraction unit that extracts layout information having cells of the same type as the type that is the specific driving capability from the plurality of layout information;
An associating unit for associating the extracted layout information with the converted cell;
An association apparatus characterized by comprising: A storage device that stores a plurality of layout information each having one or a plurality of cells, and an area of a cell that each of the plurality of layout information has;
A plurality of cells in the circuit information are grouped based on the plurality of layout information stored in the storage device, and each group of a plurality of groups each associated with one of the plurality of layout information, Based on the area of the cells stored in the storage device, a calculation unit that calculates the area when the cells of the group are laid out;
An area determination unit that determines for each group whether or not the calculated area is below a reference value;
A conversion for converting a cell type of the first group determined to be equal to or less than the reference value into a type of a specific driving capability among the types having the same function as the cell function of the first group. And
A detection unit for detecting a second group associated with layout information having a cell of the same type as the type of the specific driving capability from a group determined not to be equal to or less than the reference value;
The number of cells of the same type as the type of the specific driving capability of the detected second group is the same type of cells as the type of the specific driving capability of the layout information associated with the second group. A vacancy determination unit that determines whether the number is less than
When it is determined that the number of cells of the same type that the second group has is less than the number of cells of the same type that the layout information associated with the second group has, the first group And an association unit that excludes the cell that has been converted into the type of the specific driving capability from the first group and includes the cell in the second group,
An association apparatus characterized by comprising:

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