Original URL: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/optimizing-metal-only-eco-efficiency-leveraging-gui-automated-zheng-rxdpc

The paramount aspect of Metal-only ECO lies in achieving the final timing. Without achieving timing closure, an ECO cannot be deemed successful. The positioning of spare gates evidently impacts the quality of Metal ECO and ultimately influences the outcome of timing closure. It is imperative that spare gates are strategically located at the center of changes to minimize delays between them.

As depicted in Figure 1, additional ECO logic is introduced between the circuits highlighted in yellow and blue. Achieving optimal performance and facilitating timing closure is most feasible when spare gates and connections are concentrated within the circled area.

There are two approaches to conducting the ECO. One method involves automatic mapping of new cells to spare gates and determining the best locations for their utilization. This automated approach is particularly effective for large Metal ECO tasks. Alternatively, there's a manual process where spare gates are precisely identified in optimal locations. This manual method is swift and efficient, especially when dealing with only a few spare gates.

GOF provides both automatic Metal ECO and GUI mode ECO functionalities. A particular use case highlights the power and flexibility of GUI Metal Only ECO. It enables manual ECO operations in GUI mode with remarkable efficiency. For a comprehensive guide to this process, please visit the NanDigits website. NanDigits: Metal Only ECO in GUI Mode

In the final outcome depicted in Figure 2, the ECO results showcase all spare gates and new connections concentrated within the designated area. This concentration significantly enhances the turnaround time in timing closure and reduces congestion in the place and route process.

GOF platform integrates four functional components: ECO, Formal, LEC and Debug. To access detailed information about GOF, please visit the website https://nandigits.com