StarRC Density Corner Value Proposition

StarRC Density corner feature can assist in reducing design TAT by using it at the block level of a hierarchical design. This video explains the block density feature of StarRC along with the value proposition and typical use case. Multiple instances of the same block at top level will perform within specification range irrespective of the effect of surrounding metal on metal density of the metal layers within the block, since the corner cases for density variation of metal layers at block level have been simulated at the block level.

Transcript:

In this video, I'm going to explain the density corner feature in StarRC and its value proposition to our customers.

In hierarchical design methodology, designers will close the timing at the block level before integration at the top level. During block-level timing closure, designers will need to consider the impact of density on the boundary units in the context of where the block will be placed at the top level. As an example, if the block is placed near memory at the top level, the boundary nets will see different density compared to a case where a block is placed near a [INAUDIBLE] macro.

At advanced technology nodes, density plays a significant role in determining thickness variation due to CMP effects. What this means is that resistance can vary depending on where the block is placed at the top level. Designers can use StarRC density support within a simultaneous multi-corner framework to extract parasitics at different densities.

StarRC [INAUDIBLE] density comes in the same way as process, temperature, or via corners, allowing the designer to simulate the effect of density variations at the block level. The numerical range of density corners for each process is provided by the foundry and can be plugged into the StarRC framework by the designer before running.

Multiple instances of the same block at the top level will perform within the specification range, irrespective of the effect of surrounding metal on metal density, since the corner cases for density variation of metal layers have been simulated at the block level. Density corner support is yet another feature from StarRC, which aligns with [INAUDIBLE] methodology in [INAUDIBLE].

Thank you.