Logic array devices having complex macro-cell architecture and methods facilitating use of same
View Patent ↗Logic array devices having complex macro-cell architecture and methods facilitating use of same. A semiconductor device comprising an array of logic cells and programmable metal includes gate structures that are pre-wired, where, inputs and/or outputs are available for routing in programmable metal, possibly as part of a hybrid process. The device can also include selectable, in-line inverters, which can share the input/output tracks with logic inputs. A bubble-pushing algorithm can take advantage of the selectable in-line inverters to reduce the number of inverters in a design. In some embodiments, an embedded clock line is common to a plurality of logic cells. The clock line is terminated in a clock cell, which can include test logic, so that a clock group is formed. Flexibility to power down cells, or groups of cells can be provided by power traces with programmable connections.
1. A semiconductor device comprising an array of logic cells and programmable metal adjacent to the array of logic cells, the semiconductor device further comprising:
a power trace within the programmable metal traversing at least one cell of the array of logic cells; and
a programmable connection between the power trace and the at least one cell wherein power has been selectively connected to gate structures within the at least one cell.
2. The semiconductor device of claim 1 wherein the programmable connection is a via.
3. The semiconductor device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of gate structures further comprises:
a plurality of NAND gates;
a plurality of multiplexers;
a FLOP; and
an high-drive inverter.
4. The semiconductor device of claim 2 wherein the plurality of gate structures further comprises:
a plurality of NAND gates;
a plurality of multiplexers;
a FLOP; and
an high-drive inverter.
5. The semiconductor device of claim 1 further comprising an embedded clock line common to a plurality of the logic cells.
6. The semiconductor device of claim 5 further comprising an embedded reset line common to the plurality of logic cells.
7. The semiconductor device of claim 6 further comprising test logic connected to the embedded clock line and the embedded reset line.
8. The semiconductor device of claim 2 further comprising an embedded clock line common to a plurality of the logic cells.
9. The semiconductor device of claim 8 further comprising an embedded reset line common to the plurality of logic cells.
10. The semiconductor device of claim 9 further comprising test logic connected to the embedded clock line and the embedded reset line.