Optimizing Strategies for Design of 3D Chip Layout Using Games Approach and Swarm Intelligence

Heuristic approaches are often used to efficiently find solutions to complex engineering problems such as 3D chip layout design. When considering numerous constraints, multiple evaluation functions can be used. It is not straightforward how to combine these various functions to obtain a satisfying solution. This paper proposes a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm as a method of finding the right blending for a given set of heuristics. Such an approach not only modifies some parameters, but redefines the entire design process by defining it as a game. The designer plays the role of the game master who proposes heuristic evaluation functions. Design components are autonomous intelligent agents moving in a virtual world. The PSO algorithm develops blending factors for given functions to find a universal design strategy for a given design problem. A case study of a 3D chip layout design is presented and discussed. The consequences and benefits of such an approach are also shown.