Process variation aware D-Flip-Flop design using regression analysis

Abstract

This paper describes a design methodology for process variation aware D-Flip-Flop (DFF) using regression analysis. We propose to use a regression analysis to model the worst-case delay characteristics of a DFF under process variation. We utilize the regression equations for transistor widths tuning of the DFF to improve its worst-case delay performance. Regression analysis can not only identify the performance-critical transistors inside the DFF, but also shows these impacts on DFF delay performance in quantitative form. Proposed design methodology is verified using Monte-Carlo simulation. The result shows the proposed method achieves to design a DFF which has similar or better delay characteristics in comparison with the DFF designed by an experienced cell designer.