Two step flow for Axelera AI chip validation
Axelera AI in the Netherlands has used Ansys software for a two-step, top-down flow that validates floorplan quality and IR drop of platform chips to overcome manufacturing timing challenges.
Axelera used the Ansys simulation software for digital power integrity signoff of its high-performance Metis AI Processing Unit (AIPU) for computer vision AI inference at the edge. Four of the hcips are used on a PCIe AI Edge accelerator card (above).
Logical chip interactions across various power and clock domains have the potential to cause chip failures. Axelera AI needed to validate its Metis AIPU with up to 100m gates and multiple clock and power domains. These interactions were difficult to analyze using traditional tools and methods, which lacked accuracy, and proved too time consuming and resource intensive.
Axelera AI developed a two-step workflow to understand floorplan quality and IR drop. First, the software was used to prefetch or transfer numerous weaknesses in various integrated circuit schematics that would have delayed the manufacturing process. Next, drop analysis was completed using Ansys simulation to uncover problems impacting chip quality, then to quickly iterate on and execute fixes to minimize unanticipated voltage drops that lead to circuit failure.
“During our analysis, we uncovered serious problems that could affect the quality of our chip design,” said Giuseppe Garcea, director of silicon and co-founder at Axelera AI. “Setting up a two-step workflow with Ansys software was straightforward, and initial run times were accomplished on one server. Ultimately, these tools provided the detailed data we needed to quickly identify and iterate on various fixes to floorplan and IR-drop challenges. Ansys gave our team confidence that we could circumvent any design issues that lead to chip failure in the future.”
“Demands for edge AI platforms, characterized by massive amounts of data processing and storage, require significant architectural improvements on the chip side,” said Shane Emswiler, senior vice president of products at Ansys.
“Today’s chip designs require complex testing and validation, exerting upward pressure on semiconductor manufacturers to fulfill changing system requirements in a sensitive, cost- and time-performant manner. Ansys simulation software enables comprehensive, competent analysis needed to quickly optimize the power and performance of these chip designs and speed the movement of data critical to AI applications.”
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