Simulation and Optimization of the Power Distribution Network in VLSI Circuits

In this paper, we present simulation techniques to estimate the worst-case voltage variation using a RC model for the power distribution network. Pattern independent maximum envelope currents are used as a periodic input for performing the frequency-domain steady-state simulation of the linear RC circuit to evaluate the worst-case instantaneous voltage drop for the RC power distribution networks. The proposed technique unlike existing techniques, is guaranteed to give the maximum voltage drop at nodes in the RC power distribution network. We present experimental results to compare the frequency-domain and time-domain simulation techniques for estimating the maximum instantaneous voltage drop. We also present frequency domain sensitivity analysis based decoupling capacitance placement for reducing the voltage variation in the power distribution network. Experimental results on circuits extracted from layout are presented to validate the simulation and optimization techniques.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2000
• Where: ICCAD
• Authors: Geng Bai, Sudhakar Bobba, Ibrahim N. Hajj
• Keywords: Hardware, ICCAD 2000, Instantaneous Voltage Drop, Power Distribution Network, Voltage Drop