Core-to-Die Spacing on All Sides

• To accommodate the ports.
• To avoid shorts between adjacent blocks.
• To prevent noise coupling between blocks.

KEY Core-to-die spacing leaves room for ports and prevents shorts and noise between blocks.

What Limits Macro Orientation

Macro orientation is limited by poly-manufacturing accuracy, since poly direction must remain consistent across the chip.

KEY Poly-manufacturing accuracy limits the allowed macro orientations.

Aligning Macros to Standard-Cell Rows

• No, macros do not need row alignment.
• Standard-cell rows are only a reference grid that the placement engine uses to place standard cells.
• That grid alignment is not required for macros.

KEY Macros need not align to standard rows - rows are just the placement grid for standard cells.

Macro at the Die Boundary

Yes, provided the macro respects the core-to-die boundary spacing rule.

KEY A macro can sit at the die boundary if it honors the core-to-die spacing rule.

Macro in the IO Placement Area

Yes, a macro can be placed in the IO area as long as the IO pads are properly power-planned.

KEY A macro is allowed in the IO area if the IO pads are properly power-planned.