Since design and
manufacturing of IC (Integrated circuits) could millions of dollars.
Quality of chip also matters a lot to company.
AIM of Physical design
Engineer to acieve
This target is also
known as PPA,
Saving of power (dynamic
and static) lesser the heating of the circuit. If chip is going to be in
battery operated system then power consumed by IC significantly results in
battery drained off. less the power more time battery can run operate the
device.
Performance term is
associated with speed/frequency or we can say timing, faster the circuit
performance will be greats.
Cost of manufacturing is directly proportional to area, if
area of IC is more than more cost you need to pay to manufacturer. In order to
save money in manufacturing preferable is more number of gate counts should be get
manufacture in given amount of area.
Challenges in Physical design
- Achieve timing
- Congestion
- Manufacturing requirements such as DRC, DFM etc
- Meeting power numbers
- Delivery of the project timelines
As technology nodes is shrinking achieving above targets are
becoming tougher and tougher. Identifying the issues at early stages is always
good. In order to achieve target keep running sign off checks at regular
interval of time. Re-spin of design is time consuming and non-productive way of
working.
Every company aims to bring their product in market as soon
as possible in order to beat the competition. So keeping in the mind objective
and challenges a physical design engineer should work.