Abstract: An IC includes a first set of core logic configured to convert data between a single stream and a double stream, and a first data I/O block on a first side of the first set of core logic. The first data I/O block interfaces with the first set of core logic and a DRAM. The IC further includes a second set of core logic configured to process CA information, and a first CA I/O subblock on a second side of the first set of core logic. The first CA I/O subblock interfaces with the second set of core logic and the DRAM. The IC further includes a first set of power switches adjacent at least one side of the first CA I/O subblock. The first set of power switches is coupled to the first set of core logic and the second set of core logic.

Abstract: A method of generating a layout of a circuit, including placing a set of base cells on a design floorplan; placing a set of metal overlays over the set of base cells, respectively; and routing a set of interconnects between the set of metal overlays. An integrated circuit formed using this method includes a set of base cells formed on and above a substrate; a set of metal overlays formed directly over the set of base cells, respectively; and a set of interconnects electrically connecting at least one or more metal overlays together.

Abstract: Improving routability of an integrated circuit (IC) design without impacting the area is described. A local region of congestion of an IC design is determined according to a design parameter. A cell with a specified level of complexity is identified within the local region of congestion. An alternative cell is algorithmically created with a same logic function as the cell by adding an access point to the alternative cell. The cell is then replaced with the alternative cell within the local region of congestion.

Abstract: Generating cells with increased signal routing resources. In an embodiment, power and ground buses in a metal layer of a source cell are identified and removed. Any vias terminating on the removed buses may also be removed. Additional via and connections are added to other desired layers to provide connectivity to the nodes disconnected due to the earlier removal. According to an aspect of the present invention, such connections are added during a chip design phase (i.e., when the cell instances are incorporated into an integrated circuit, sought to be designed).

Abstract: An exemplary functional input sequential circuit for reducing the setup time of input signals. The functional sequential circuit includes a tri-state inverter having an input signal and two control signals. The transmission circuit receives a control signal from a combinational logic circuit that performs a logical operation on a second input signal and a clock signal. The output of the transmission circuit is coupled to a digital storage element. Further, a control circuit is coupled to the digital storage element in order to force a value on the digital storage element when no input signal is received from the transmission circuit. The control circuit is also controlled by the second input signal and a clock signal.

Abstract: Improving the routability of integrated circuit (IC) design without impacting the area. A local region of congestion of an IC design is determined according to a design parameter. A cell with a specified level of complexity is identified within the local region of congestion. An alternative cell is algorithmically created with a same logic function as the cell by adding an access point to the alternative cell. The cell is then replaced with the alternative cell within the local region of congestion.

Abstract: Generating cells with increased signal routing resources. In an embodiment, power and ground buses in a metal layer of a source cell are identified and removed. Any vias terminating on the removed buses may also be removed. Additional via and connections are added to other desired layers to provide connectivity to the nodes disconnected due to the earlier removal. According to an aspect of the present invention, such connections are added during a chip design phase (i.e., when the cell instances are incorporated into an integrated circuit, sought to be designed).

Abstract: Equal delay flip-flop systems and complementary input complementary output equal delay flip-flop circuits are disclosed. In one embodiment, an equal delay flip-flop system includes a first delay flip-flop for processing a first input, including a first tri-state input driver for driving the first input, a first master latch for sampling and/or forwarding the first input, a first transmission gate for relaying the first input forwarded by the first master latch, and a first slave latch for storing and/or forwarding the first input. The equal delay flip-flop system further includes a second delay flip-flop for processing a second input, including a second tri-state input driver for driving the second input, a second master latch for sampling and/or forwarding the second input, a second transmission gate for relaying the second input forwarded by the second master latch, and a second slave latch for storing and/or forwarding the second input.

Abstract: A flip-flop is configured for low standby/leakage power for power-conservation, especially in battery operated portable devices using flip-flops. The flip-flop uses a clock and may be a D flip-flop, including a master latch with first and second inverters and a slave latch. The inverters in the master-latch are configured to be selectively gated. The gating is preferably done by first and second transistors receiving the clock signal and connected between a voltage source and the ground. The gating cuts off power supply to the inverters when the clock is low and reduces leakage power. The slave latch includes a primary inverter and a feedback inverter. Expediently, a transmission gate between the master-latch and the slave-latch is eliminated. The primary inverter in the slave-latch is not gated to prevent the input of the feedback inverter from going into a “floating” state.