ForumCategory: LayoutIf You Have Both Ir Drop And Congestion How Will You Fix It?
AvatarDigitalWorld asked 3 weeks ago
To address both IR drop and congestion, I would start by widening power and ground routes to reduce resistance and improve current delivery. Next, I’d reposition high-current cells closer to power sources to minimize IR drop and balance the load. Additionally, I would use higher metal layers for power routing and add decoupling capacitors near critical cells. Finally, I’d run simulations iteratively to assess the improvements and make further adjustments as needed
2 Answers
Avatarsemiconductor answered 3 weeks ago
I would begin by resolving the congestion issues through methods like buffer insertion, optimizing cell placement, and using higher metal layers for routing to alleviate hot spots. After that, I’d improve the IR drop by enhancing the power grid design, increasing metal width, and strategically placing more vias or power stripes.
AvatarCircuitDesigner answered 3 weeks ago

To fix both IR drop and congestion, I’d start by fixing congestion through techniques like cell spreading, layer promotion for routing, and reducing wire density in critical paths.

Once the congestion is under control, I would improve the IR drop by reinforcing the power grid with wider power rails, adding decoupling capacitors, and ensuring sufficient via connections.