Integrated circuit architecture with standard blocks

Abstract

An integrated circuit (IC) architecture with STANDARD BLOCKs. The IC architecture forms a layout that includes a plurality of STANDARD BLOCKs, top-level cells, and hard IP blocks. The STANDARD BLOCKS form row-based or column-based STANDARD BLOCK ARRAY configurations in which STANDARD BLOCKs are placed adjacent to each other in a row or column configuration with their fixed or quantized dimension aligned and oriented perpendicular to the STANDARD BLOCK ARRAY direction. Individual STANDARD BLOCK ARRAYs can be spaced apart forming channels between them to allow for routing interconnections, or overlapping one another in a flipped configuration sharing VDD or GND power rails. The IC layout includes sites reserved for top-level cells that are placed in channels between STANDARD BLOCK ARRAYs, around the perimeter of STANDARD BLOCKs, or arranged in a staggered or diagonal configuration inside the STANDARD BLOCKs. The layout of the IC further includes power grid and clock grid structures providing, respectively, power and ground and clock distribution. Each of the STANDARD BLOCKs has a form that is physically constrained such that its dimensions feature one fixed or quantized dimension, and one variable dimension that ranges between predefined limits; a granularity larger than a standard cell granularity such that each STANDARD BLOCK includes a plurality of standard cells; and flexible physical design properties.