Cost-Benefit Optimization for an Airgapped Integrated Circuit
AssigneeInternational Business Machines Corporation
InventorsAxel Aguado Granados, Benjamin Aaron Fox, Nathaniel James Gibbs, Andrew Benson Maki, Trevor Joseph Timpane
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A computer implemented method, apparatus and program product provide automated processes for determining the most cost-effective use of airgaps in a microchip. The performance gains realized by using airgaps for a given net or layer may be calculated. These improvements may be paired to a monetary cost associated with implementing the applicable airgaps at that net/layer. The paired benefit and cost of the airgap scenario may be compared to other possible airgap uses at other layers/nets to determine which airgaps provide the best improvement for the lowest cost.
Claims20
A computer implemented method for designing a microchip, the computer implemented method comprising:
- automatically determining a performance attribute associated with a microchip design including an airgap;
- automatically determining a performance attribute associated with a microchip design without the airgap;
- performing a cost-benefit analysis based upon the automatic determinations;
- and
- outputting the microchip design.
An apparatus, comprising:
- a memory;
- program code residing in the memory;
- and
- a processor in communication with the memory and configured to execute the program code to determine a performance attribute associated with a microchip design including an airgap, to determine a performance attribute associated with a microchip design without the airgap, and to perform a cost-benefit analysis based upon the automatic determinations.
A program product, comprising:
- program code configured to determine a performance attribute associated with a microchip design including an airgap, to determine a performance attribute associated with a microchip design without the airgap, and to perform a cost-benefit analysis based upon the automatic determinations;
- and
- a computer readable medium bearing the program code.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.