Patents by Inventor Harold J. Levy

Harold J. Levy has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8266559
    Abstract: A precharacterized cell library for EDA tools includes driver model data includes output current signals indexed by output voltages. The driver model can then generate a model output by interpolating the output current signals using the output voltage to generate an output current. The output current can then be used to generate an updated output voltage across a predetermined time increment. The output current signals can then be interpolated using the updated output voltage to generate a new output current, when can be used to update the output voltage once again across the next time increment. By repeating this process across a time frame for the model output signal, a model output current and output voltage signals can be generated that match the actual output current and voltage signals from a driver in a multi-driver system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Synopsys, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold J. Levy
  • Patent number: 8205177
    Abstract: A characterized cell library for EDA tools includes receiver model data that provides two or more capacitance values for a given receiver modeling situation (signal type and operating conditions). The receiver model can then use different capacitance values to generate different portions of the model receiver signal, thereby enabling more accurate matching of actual receiver signal timing characteristics. For example, a two-capacitance receiver model can be generated by using the first capacitance value to match the delay characteristics of an actual receiver, and by using the second capacitance (in light of the use of the first capacitance) to match the slew characteristics of that actual receiver. Because typical EDA timing analyses focus mainly on delay and slew (and not the detailed profile of circuit signals), a two-capacitance receiver model can provide a high degree of accuracy without significantly increasing cell library size and computational complexity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Synopsys, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold J. Levy
  • Patent number: 8069424
    Abstract: An enhanced library accessible by an EDA tool can include a base curve database and a plurality of curve data sets. Each curve data set refers to a standard cell having certain timing characteristics. To determine those timing characteristics, each curve data set identifies at least one base curve (in the base curve database) as well as a starting current, a peak current, a peak voltage, and a peak time. In one embodiment, each base curve can be normalized. The base curve(s), the starting current, peak current, peak voltage, and peak time can accurately model the functioning of the IC device, e.g. represented by an I(V) curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Synopsys, Inc.
    Inventors: Xin Wang, Harold J. Levy, Michael N. Misheloff
  • Patent number: 8032342
    Abstract: A method for generating a linear piecewise representation of a driver output current signal includes segmenting the driver output current signal such that an integral of each segment matches an actual voltage change in corresponding portion of an associated output voltage signal (within a desired tolerance). The beginning and ending current/time values for each segment can then be compiled into the piecewise linear representation of the driver output current signal. A method for generating a model driver output current signal includes conformally mapping first and second sets of precharacterization output current data based on a weighted average of the indexing parameter (e.g., input slew or output capacitance) values for the model driver output signal and the first and second sets of precharacterization data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Synopsys, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold J. Levy
  • Publication number: 20110173580
    Abstract: A precharacterized cell library for EDA tools includes driver model data includes output current signals indexed by output voltages. The driver model can then generate a model output by interpolating the output current signals using the output voltage to generate an output current. The output current can then be used to generate an updated output voltage across a predetermined time increment. The output current signals can then be interpolated using the updated output voltage to generate a new output current, when can be used to update the output voltage once again across the next time increment. By repeating this process across a time frame for the model output signal, a model output current and output voltage signals can be generated that match the actual output current and voltage signals from a driver in a multi-driver system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: Synopsys, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold J. Levy
  • Patent number: 7913200
    Abstract: A precharacterized cell library for EDA tools includes driver model data includes output current signals indexed by output voltages. The driver model can then generate a model output by interpolating the output current signals using the output voltage to generate an output current. The output current can then be used to generate an updated output voltage across a predetermined time increment. The output current signals can then be interpolated using the updated output voltage to generate a new output current, when can be used to update the output voltage once again across the next time increment. By repeating this process across a time frame for the model output signal, a model output current and output voltage signals can be generated that match the actual output current and voltage signals from a driver in a multi-driver system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Synopsys, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold J. Levy
  • Publication number: 20100199245
    Abstract: A characterized cell library for EDA tools includes receiver model data that provides two or more capacitance values for a given receiver modeling situation (signal type and operating conditions). The receiver model can then use different capacitance values to generate different portions of the model receiver signal, thereby enabling more accurate matching of actual receiver signal timing characteristics. For example, a two-capacitance receiver model can be generated by using the first capacitance value to match the delay characteristics of an actual receiver, and by using the second capacitance (in light of the use of the first capacitance) to match the slew characteristics of that actual receiver. Because typical EDA timing analyses focus mainly on delay and slew (and not the detailed profile of circuit signals), a two-capacitance receiver model can provide a high degree of accuracy without significantly increasing cell library size and computational complexity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: Synopsys, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold J. Levy
  • Patent number: 7725854
    Abstract: A characterized cell library for EDA tools includes receiver model data that provides two or more capacitance values for a given receiver modeling situation (signal type and operating conditions). The receiver model can then use different capacitance values to generate different portions of the model receiver signal, thereby enabling more accurate matching of actual receiver signal timing characteristics. For example, a two-capacitance receiver model can be generated by using the first capacitance value to match the delay characteristics of an actual receiver, and by using the second capacitance (in light of the use of the first capacitance) to match the slew characteristics of that actual receiver. Because typical EDA timing analyses focus mainly on delay and slew (and not the detailed profile of circuit signals), a two-capacitance receiver model can provide a high degree of accuracy without significantly increasing cell library size and computational complexity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Synopsys, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold J. Levy
  • Publication number: 20090210204
    Abstract: A method for generating a linear piecewise representation of a driver output current signal includes segmenting the driver output current signal such that an integral of each segment matches an actual voltage change in corresponding portion of an associated output voltage signal (within a desired tolerance). The beginning and ending current/time values for each segment can then be compiled into the piecewise linear representation of the driver output current signal. A method for generating a model driver output current signal includes conformally mapping first and second sets of precharacterization output current data based on a weighted average of the indexing parameter (e.g., input slew or output capacitance) values for the model driver output signal and the first and second sets of precharacterization data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: Synopsys, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold J. Levy
  • Patent number: 7546227
    Abstract: A method for generating a linear piecewise representation of a driver output current signal includes segmenting the driver output current signal such that an integral of each segment matches an actual voltage change in corresponding portion of an associated output voltage signal (within a desired tolerance). The beginning and ending current/time values for each segment can then be compiled into the piecewise linear representation of the driver output current signal. A method for generating a model driver output current signal includes conformally mapping first and second sets of precharacterization output current data based on a weighted average of the indexing parameter (e.g., input slew or output capacitance) values for the model driver output signal and the first and second sets of precharacterization data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Synopsys, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold J. Levy
  • Publication number: 20090125851
    Abstract: A precharacterized cell library for EDA tools includes driver model data includes output current signals indexed by output voltages. The driver model can then generate a model output by interpolating the output current signals using the output voltage to generate an output current. The output current can then be used to generate an updated output voltage across a predetermined time increment. The output current signals can then be interpolated using the updated output voltage to generate a new output current, when can be used to update the output voltage once again across the next time increment. By repeating this process across a time frame for the model output signal, a model output current and output voltage signals can be generated that match the actual output current and voltage signals from a driver in a multi-driver system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: Synopsys, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold J. Levy
  • Patent number: 7496863
    Abstract: A precharacterized cell library for EDA tools includes driver model data includes output current signals indexed by output voltages. The driver model can then generate a model output by interpolating the output current signals using the output voltage to generate an output current. The output current can then be used to generate an updated output voltage across a predetermined time increment. The output current signals can then be interpolated using the updated output voltage to generate a new output current, when can be used to update the output voltage once again across the next time increment. By repeating this process across a time frame for the model output signal, a model output current and output voltage signals can be generated that match the actual output current and voltage signals from a driver in a multi-driver system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Synopsys, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold J. Levy
  • Publication number: 20090013291
    Abstract: An enhanced library accessible by an EDA tool can include a base curve database and a plurality of curve data sets. Each curve data set refers to a standard cell having certain timing characteristics. To determine those timing characteristics, each curve data set identifies at least one base curve (in the base curve database) as well as a starting current, a peak current, a peak voltage, and a peak time. In one embodiment, each base curve can be normalized. The base curve(s), the starting current, peak current, peak voltage, and peak time can accurately model the functioning of the IC device, e.g. represented by an I(V) curve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: Synopsys, Inc.
    Inventors: Xin Wang, Harold J. Levy, Michael N. Misheloff
  • Publication number: 20080288223
    Abstract: A method for generating a linear piecewise representation of a driver output current signal includes segmenting the driver output current signal such that an integral of each segment matches an actual voltage change in corresponding portion of an associated output voltage signal (within a desired tolerance). The beginning and ending current/time values for each segment can then be compiled into the piecewise linear representation of the driver output current signal. A method for generating a model driver output current signal includes conformally mapping first and second sets of precharacterization output current data based on a weighted average of the indexing parameter (e.g., input slew or output capacitance) values for the model driver output signal and the first and second sets of precharacterization data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: Synopsys, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold J. Levy
  • Patent number: 7444605
    Abstract: An enhanced library accessible by an EDA tool can include a base curve database and a plurality of curve data sets. Each curve data set refers to a standard cell having certain timing characteristics. To determine those timing characteristics, each curve data set identifies at least one base curve (in the base curve database) as well as a starting current, a peak current, a peak voltage, and a peak time. In one embodiment, each base curve can be normalized. The base curve(s), the starting current, peak current, peak voltage, and peak time can accurately model the functioning of the IC device, e.g. represented by an I(V) curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Synopsys, Inc.
    Inventors: Xin Wang, Harold J. Levy, Michael N. Misheloff
  • Patent number: 7421379
    Abstract: A method for generating a linear piecewise representation of a driver output current signal includes segmenting the driver output current signal such that an integral of each segment matches an actual voltage change in corresponding portion of an associated output voltage signal (within a desired tolerance). The beginning and ending current/time values for each segment can then be compiled into the piecewise linear representation of the driver output current signal. A method for generating a model driver output current signal includes conformally mapping first and second sets of precharacterization output current data based on a weighted average of the indexing parameter (e.g., input slew or output capacitance) values for the model driver output signal and the first and second sets of precharacterization data.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Synopsys, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold J. Levy
  • Patent number: 7299445
    Abstract: A characterized cell library for EDA tools includes receiver model data that provides two or more capacitance values for a given receiver modeling situation (signal type and operating conditions). The receiver model can then use different capacitance values to generate different portions of the model receiver signal, thereby enabling more accurate matching of actual receiver signal timing characteristics. For example, a two-capacitance receiver model can be generated by using the first capacitance value to match the delay characteristics of an actual receiver, and by using the second capacitance (in light of the use of the first capacitance) to match the slew characteristics of that actual receiver. Because typical EDA timing analyses focus mainly on delay and slew (and not the detailed profile of circuit signals), a two-capacitance receiver model can provide a high degree of accuracy without significantly increasing cell library size and computational complexity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Synopsys, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold J. Levy
  • Patent number: 7254788
    Abstract: A precharacterized cell library for EDA tools includes driver model data includes output current signals indexed by output voltages. The driver model can then generate a model output by interpolating the output current signals using the output voltage to generate an output current. The output current can then be used to generate an updated output voltage across a predetermined time increment. The output current signals can then be interpolated using the updated output voltage to generate a new output current, when can be used to update the output voltage once again across the next time increment. By repeating this process across a time frame for the model output signal, a model output current and output voltage signals can be generated that match the actual output current and voltage signals from a driver in a multi-driver system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Synopsys, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold J. Levy
  • Patent number: 7043709
    Abstract: A system is provided for determining voltage at the output of a gate in an integrated circuit. The system locates a gate within the integrated circuit and looks up a set of output current waveforms as a function of time for different effective capacitances at the gate's output. The system applies each output current waveform to its corresponding effective capacitance to calculate a first set of output voltages and applies each output current waveform to a model of the net coupled to the output of the gate to calculate a second set of output voltages. For each time step in a series of time steps, the system selects an output current waveform for which a voltage in the first set of output voltage waveforms matches a voltage in the second set of output voltage waveforms. The system uses the selected output current waveform to determine the output voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Synopsys, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold J. Levy
  • Patent number: 6810506
    Abstract: A computer implemented method of producing a reduced order model of an electronic circuit to model the connection of two or more circuits. Arnoldi reduced order models for nodes of circuits to be interconnected may be computed. A set of modified nodal analysis matrices for the combination of the two circuits may be constructed. A rank one update may be applied to the modified set of nodal analysis matrices to produce a reduced order model of the combined electronic circuits. In this novel manner, a reduced order model for a combination of circuits may be produced from the individual reduced order models of the individual circuits without the need to recompute the reduced order models of the original circuits, and without the need of the original parasitic network models. The resulting reduced order model may be used in a variety ways consistent with well known uses of such matrices within the field of electronic design automation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Synopsys, Inc.
    Inventor: Harold J. Levy