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Politics : Formerly About Advanced Micro Devices -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?


To: Yousef who wrote (46479)1/18/1999 2:29:00 AM
From: Scumbria  Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 1573482
 
Yousef,

I suggest that you drop this discussion while you are ahead. I don't claim to be a process expert, and you shouldn't claim to be a logic designer.

Scumbria



To: Yousef who wrote (46479)1/18/1999 2:10:00 PM
From: kash johal  Respond to of 1573482
 
Yousef,

>Re: Re: "Fixing speedpaths with spare gates is standard practice for >microprocessor
>designs."

>Sorry Scumbria ... Just what do you think microprocessor designers >are doing with an FIB, hooking up "repeaters" ??

I think you are either showing your ignorance on this issue or just spreading FUD again.

Yes, folks do place spare gates to fix speed paths.
Basically the logic speeds are fantastic with these VDSM processess but the problem is routing delay. Trying to model just one routing path with several layers of metal is NON-TRIVIAL as it requires 3D extraction and complex modelling.

There are several ways to "fix" such a speed path.
A very simple one is to parallell extra drive transistors to give more output drive. One can also split the path and add an extra driver to reduce loads this way. Also some-times delaying paths can help also if it is a set-up/hold hazard.

Onto FIB issues,

FIB's DONT create NEW transistors, all you can do is make cuts and add connections. They are simply a way of making simple limited edits. They are very usefull as a way of emulating the effects of metal fixes.

I respect your process knowledge but on this issue you are clearly out of your depth.

Regards,

Kash