Mixed Macro and Standard Cell Designs

The original placement framework of Capo only supports pure standard cell layout. However, today typical VLSI designs contain certain number of macros, such as embedded memory and IP blocks. In a flattened design flow, placement engine has to be able to place macros and standard cells simultaneously. Accordingly, we enhance Capo with the capability to handle mixed macro/standard cell layout. 

We then extend the placement framework into the 2.5-D scenario. 

The layout style using mixed macro/standard cells is proper for VLSI design containing IP blocks and embedded memories to be aggressively optimized in a flattened manner. In this layout style, a small number of large macros are scattered in a sea of standard cells. For this layout style, a natural question is whether the cell area variability will impair the efficiency of 2.5-D integration. Therefore, we enhance our placement framework with capabilities of handling macros. 

Design Standard Cells Macros Nets Area% of All Macros Area% by The Largest Macro 

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