3DIP: An iterative partitioning tool for monolithic 3D IC

Abstract

CoolCubeTM is a monolithic 3D (M3D) technology offering a vertical density of integration 20 times higher than face to face copper hybrid bonding (F2F Cu-Cu), thanks to ultra-thin Monolithic Inter-tier Vias (MIVs). In this work, we propose a new partitioning tool exploiting this characteristic for 2-tier Cell-on-Cell ICs before placement. It is based on a fast and iterative algorithm that explores the space of solutions and minimizes the estimated cost of wires with balanced area between tiers without limiting the number of MIVs. A mathematical formulation of the 3D partitioning problem and a comprehensive framework, based on simulated annealing (SA) algorithm coupled with a dedicated cost function, are detailed and compared with Min-Cut (MC) partitions commonly used. It appears that our solution can decrease the estimated total cost of wires by 41% and 45% for the LDPC and FFT/AES units. It also reduces the total cost of wires by 30% to 44% compared to the MC algorithm for the same units and with no significant increase in runtime.