Structured Design Methodology
Last Edit July 22, 2001
Compute the estimated power
Use the macro occurrence list compiled for cell utilization to compute power.
Determine the worst-case current multipliers used by the array and what
voltage variations will be used by the circuit for DC power computations.
Review the AC power equation if AC power must be computed. ECL output macros
use a termination current and that power element must be included with the
DC power computation.
Different technologies use different methods to compute power as seen by
the examples in Table 2-9.
Table 2-9 Example Technology Approaches To Power Computation - AMCC
Arrays
- Bipolar (pre-Q20000) uses a current dissipation for each
macro regardless of operating frequency (DC power only).
-
CMOS uses internal and output macros and
their operating
frequency to find AC power dissipation.
-
BiCMOS uses a combination of these techniques,
DC power
for bipolar interface macros and AC power for internal macros.
-
Q20000 Series uses DC power for all macros
and AC power
computation for ECL inputs, Darlington outputs and all
internal macros.
|
Some bipolar arrays have power-down capabilities that can reduce the
current dissipated when macro output pins are not used (conditional geometry).
Other arrays may have programmable overhead current. Before ac-tual placement,
an estimate of the overhead current will need to be used.
Are the estimated power and estimated maximum
current acceptable for this design on this array?
|
Actual DC power computations and maximum current checks are available
through the MacroMatrix AMCCERC after once the circuit has been captured
on an AMCC-supported EWS or netlister. A worksheet is provided for AC
power computation.
Compute maximum internal current
A maximum internal current may be specified for bipolar arrays. It is
possible for the total core current to be computed and compared to array
limits. It does not guarantee that the design will later pass layout row
current limits. If the circuit internal core current is high and the cell
utilization is also high, and other placement constraints are required,
then the placement process will be difficult and may be unsuccessful.
Before placement, a global check is used, verifying that the core as
a whole can handle the current required by the macros. A more detailed
bus-check, or row, half-row, and quadrant current check, can be made after
placement for those arrays which require this type of checking.
BiCMOS and CMOS arrays typically have no internal current limit. The
development of three-layer metal arrays reduced the concern for this check
for bipolar arrays as well, leaving the final control of the power used
in the design to be a function of the ability to keep the junction temperature
of the packaged part within limits.
Make the final package selection
Make the final package selection based on the array chosen and the estimated
power. Refer to the Packaging Brochure from the chosen vendor.
For packages with internal power and ground planes, the package selected
will control the placement of added power and grounds if the use of package
signal pins is to be avoided. A package must accommodate all signal pins
required for the circuit plus any signal pins required by added power
and grounds not placed to connect to the internal power/ground planes
of the package.
When a package has no internal bonding planes, the selected package signal
pins must be sufficient to include all circuit signals and all added power
and grounds.
Review the array for any other pads that need package signal pins before
making the package selection. The Q20000 Series arrays have four fixed
pads, two for the thermal diode anode and cathode and two for the AC speed
monitor. These array pads must reach external package signal pins, decreasing
what is available for the circuit proper.
Compute the junction temperature
Compute the estimated junction temperature based on the power dissipation,
the packages available that meet specifications and the operating environment,
including any heat sinking and air flow as specified in the functional
specifications. If possible, several options should be evaluated.
The allowed packages for an array should also have their thermal coefficients
for junction-case (Qjc) and junction-ambient (Qja) specified. Tables or
some other means of computing the coefficient for case-ambient (Qca) as
a function of the heatsink, the array, the package and airflow should
also be provided. For most military applications, Tc can be maintained
at 125oC. For most Commercial applications, Ta can be maintained
at 70oC.
Read "Theta" for Q:
Military: Tj = Pd * Qjc + Tc
Commercial: Tj = Pd * Qja + Ta
with Qca = Qjc + Qca
With the completion of both timing and power analysis, changes in macro
options, or optional functions within the circuit can be evaluated and
the speed-power curve managed before full schematic capture and simulation
have been performed.
Optional - Bonding diagram (custom bonding), Pin-out request
As an option, a bonding diagram (pin out) request can be submitted to
the vendor for approval
Both pin out requests and placement requests can be initiated by the
designer and both must be approved by the vendor after layout and Back-Annotation
evaluation.
Review the design submission requirements
Review the requirements for the array series design submission as specified
by the vendor.
- Are schematics required?
- What schematic format is required by the vendor?
- What simulation must be run and submitted?
- What other procedures are requested by the vendor?
Clarify what is to be done to actually perform a design submission
to your vendor.
|
|