Design Optimization
Last Edit July 22, 2001
Design to Improve Speed
If a macro library provides speed-power options for the macros available,
an initial design is done selecting the standard macro options (the middle
choice) and is also done from the perspective of logic minimization. Once
the array technology has been selected, circuit speed is affected by the
major factors shown in Table 4-3.
Table 4-3 Designing To Improve Speed
Optimize for Speed |
- Review the macro chosen
- Review the macro option
- Review Macro functionality
- Perform Logic minimization
- Reduce the fan-out loading
- Reduce wire-OR loading (if allowed)
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In the case study, the change of the output macro to allow the circuit
to operate at specification did not affect cell count and reduced the
power by three Watts.
The solution of timing problems are not often so simplistic or beneficial.
When faced with a circuit that does not meet timing specifications, changing
macros can lead to increased cell counts, no change or decreased cell
counts and higher power dissipation, no change or a reduction in pow-er
dissipation.
Macro options
When an array provides macro options, those options should be reviewed
for applicability to the design problem. If a macro comes in low-power,
high-speed and standard options, they will each have a different toggle
frequency or maximum frequency of operation. Each option may have a different
fan-out load or drive capability. Each option will have a different power
dissipation. In some case, the different options may have different cell
counts.
The selection of a high-speed macro option may carry power dissipation
penalties that may in turn lead to other macros needing to be downgraded
to low-power options. This may be necessitated by an internal current
limit for the array or from the early estimates of the junction temperature.
As long as the toggle frequency of the low-power macros are not violated
and the fan-out load limits are not exceeded, then the use of low-power
options is acceptable.
When a library has driver macros with balanced load delay drive factors
(minimal skew) and faster intrinsic (internal) delays, the use of the
driver should be justified. Drivers typically carry a power dissipation
penalty. They should be used in clock distribution lines and for heavily
loaded paths that have tight timing specifications.
Macro functionality
Another reason to review the macro library before finalizing a design
is that speed is usually a function of density. In general, a high-functionality
multiple-cell macro will perform better than a circuit module formed from
equivalent macros. Intra-macro nets (connecting components) are shorter
than inter-macro interconnect delays.
A hard macro, where the routing is always in the same pattern, can guaranty
its worst-case speed. A soft macro has placement require ments and priority
routing that must be used if it is to meet its specifications.
High-functionality macros also include those that combine functions,
such as the 3:1 MUX-D flip/flop macros (supporting testing), dual flip/flops,
triple latches or triple multiplexors, internal-I/O dual function macros
that ensure the maximum utilization of the complex I/O cells, or combined
two-cell bidirectional-added ground macros, that keep the second pad from
being wasted. High-functionality macros are those that prevent or minimize
wasted (unused) silicon, pads or cells.
Other design techniques to increase the circuit density include replacing
gate structures with multiplexors where the speed and gate count would
be reduced. (See Digital Design with Standard MSI and LSI,
2nd ed., by T.R. Blakeslee, 1979, Wiley, New York.)
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