Data Traceability Essential for Multi-Chiplet Integration
The article emphasizes that robust data management, traceability, and revision control are critical for multi-chiplet heterogeneous integration. Without these, complex designs can lead to errors and delays. The piece is part of a series on streamlining 3D-IC design processes, focusing on design data and IP management.
Multi-chiplet designs aggregate intellectual property from internal teams, external vendors, and open-source projects, each carrying distinct files and specifications. Without disciplined version control, an outdated ECO or wrong IP revision can compromise an entire product. The article identifies four pillars: managing IP sources, hierarchical revision tracking, a centralized data hub, and real-time status analysis. Commercial tools like Innovator3D IC Data Management apply access-rights controls and revision management throughout the design flow, treating the design as a work-in-progress until tape-out.
As chiplet-based devices become more common in consumer electronics, automotive systems, and data centers, traceability failures could delay product launches or introduce defects affecting millions of users. Engineers and project managers may face increased pressure to adopt centralized data platforms, while smaller firms without such infrastructure could struggle to compete. Ultimately, robust data management may determine which organizations successfully deliver reliable multi-chiplet products.