Parasitic Extraction Research Articles

An immuno-inflammatory profiling of asymptomatic individuals in a malaria endemic area in Uganda

Malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum leads to the destruction of red blood cells (RBCs). A better understanding of how naturally immune individuals control infections should be valuable for future vaccine studies. Antibodies against RBCs and RBC surface antigens were measured together with different inflammatory markers in healthy adults living in a malaria endemic area of Uganda and compared to Swedish healthy adults. Antibodies binding to RBCs were clearly elevated in Ugandans compared to Swedish samples, and for RBC surface antigens the Ugandans had higher levels of antibodies against JMH, but not against Cromer or Kell. Twenty-eight percent of the Ugandans were PCR-positive for P. falciparum, and these had higher levels of IgG against parasite extract and more inhibition in functional growth/invasion assays, but levels of antibodies against RBC, RBC surface antigens, results from Direct Antiglobulin Tests (DAT) and indirect antiglobulin tests were similar when compared with PCR-negative individuals. When inflammatory markers (α-1-antitrypsin, haptoglobin, orosomucoid/α-1-acid glycoprotein, CRP, IgG, IgA and IgM) were measured there were in general almost no signs of inflammation except for clearly elevated levels of IgG. Some had low levels of haptoglobin and for orosomucoid more than half of the individuals had clearly reduced levels. There was no correlation between the inflammatory markers and PCR-positivity, antibodies against RBCs or parasites. In conclusion, for healthy adults living in a malaria endemic area, there was a clear presence of antibodies against RBCs in parallel with high levels of IgG and almost no signs of inflammation, even though many individuals were carrying parasites.

Smart-CX – Method of extraction of parasitic capacitances in ICs

This paper proposes a novel rule-based parasitic capacitance extraction methodology, integrated into Smart-CX, to enhance the accuracy of SPICE simulations and physical verification of ICs. This methodology is crucial during the microchip design phase, particularly in preparation for fabrication on mature to advanced process nodes. The proposed enhanced analytical method addresses the accuracy/time tradeoffs between numerical and analytical extraction techniques. This study validates the accuracy of the methodology by comparison of the extracted parasitic parameters with foundry-provided 2D-models. The parasitic capacitances that are extracted within this method include: area capacitances (Ca), coupling capacitances (Cc), including via-to-via capacitances (Cmv), contact-to-gate capacitances (Cmg), contact-to-active capacitances (Cmc) and fringe type capacitances with the top (Cft) and bottom (Cfb) conductive layers.

Expanding the time-interleaving design capabilities: A 28 GS/s 4-bit time-interleaved current-steering DAC case study

In this work, a novel approach of designing high-speed time-interleaved Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs), that exploits high-order time-interleaved factors, was proposed. The presented time-interleaving design approach is based on the current superposition principle, capable of expanding the time-interleaved factor of DACs without compromising the conversion linearity and accuracy. For the validation of the proposed design approach, a 28 GS/s 4-bit 4 × Time-Interleaved current-steering DAC was designed using a 22 nm Fully-Depleted Silicon-On-Insulator (FDSOI) CMOS process node. Post-layout simulations were carried out by developing a custom, hybrid RC/RLCk parasitic extraction methodology, capable of capturing all possible layout parasitic effects due to the high conversion speed of the designed DAC. Using the proposed approach, the designed time-interleaved DAC was capable of achieving ENOB>3.83 bits, SFDR>28.7 dBc for fin≤1.75 GHz, with no missing codes and a low power consumption of Pdiss=3.1 mW/core.

Molecular and biochemical characterizations of a Fasciola gigantica retinoid X receptor-α isoform A (FgRXRα-A)

Fascioliasis is a parasitic infection in animals and humans caused by the parasitic flatworm genus Fasciola, which has two major species, F. hepatica and F. gigantica. A major concern regarding this disease is drug resistance, which is increasingly reported worldwide. Hence, the discovery of a novel drug as well as drug targets is crucially required. Therefore, this study aims to characterize the novel drug target in the adult F. gigantica. In the beginning, we hypothesized that the parasite might interact with some host molecules when it lives inside the liver parenchyma or bile ducts, specifically hormones and hormone-like molecules, through the specific receptors, primarily nuclear receptors (NRs), which are recognized as a major drug target in various diseases. The retinoid X receptor (RXR) is a member of subfamily 2 NRs that plays multitudinous roles in organisms by forming homodimers or heterodimers with other NRs. We obtained the full-length amino acid sequences of F. gigantica retinoid X receptor-alpha (FgRXRα-A) from the transcriptome of F. gigantica that existed in the NCBI database. The FgRXRα-A were computationally predicted for the basic properties, multiple aligned, phylogeny analyzed, and generated of 2D and 3D models. Moreover, FgRXRα-A was molecular cloned and expressed as a recombinant protein (rFgRXRα-A), then used for immunization for specific polyclonal antibodies. The native FgRXRα-A was detected in the parasite extracts and tissues, and the function was investigated by in vitro binding assay. The results demonstrated the conservation of FgRXRα-A to the other RXRs, especially RXRs from the trematodes. Interestingly, the native FgRXRα-A could be detected in the testes of the parasite, where the sex hormones are accumulated. Moreover, the binding assay revealed the interaction of 9-cis retinoic acid and FgRXRα-A, suggesting the function of FgRXRα-A. Our findings suggested that FgRXRα-A will be involved with the sexual reproduction of the parasite by forming heterodimers with other NRs, and it could be the potential target for further drug development of fascioliasis.

Optimizing solar panel maximum power point tracking and parasitic parameter extraction in partial shading with Enhanced Slime Mold optimization

Solar energy offers several environmental, economic, and energy security advantages. Parasitic parameters and shading on solar panels can reduce efficiency. This paper presents a bio-inspired Enhanced Slime Mold (ESM) algorithm search strategy to find near-optimal power points by simulating the behaviour of slime molds in a virtual environment. In a solar panel, proposed ESM provides not only for parameter extraction but also serves as Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) during Partial Shading Conditions (PSC). The proposed ESM dynamic behaviour is examined under solar irradiation and various temperature conditions. The effectiveness of proposed technique has been validated by extracting parameters from conventional polycrystalline and monocrystalline modules in the form of a 5 S–5P arrangement. In the instance of MPPT operation, the proposed ESM algorithm is compared with Ant Bee Colony and Perturb& Observe (ABC-PO) to determine its efficacy. Moreover, during extraction of unknown parameters of solar cell ESM is compared with existing optimization algorithms such as Artificial Bee Swarm Optimization (ABSO), Genetic Algorithm (GA), Covariant Matrix (CM), Ant Bee Colony (ABC), and Advanced Particle Swarm Optimization (APSO). In this connection, proposed ESM algorithm is superior to the above-mentioned algorithms due to high accuracy, a smaller number of computations, and minimum computational time.

Testing the viability of poultry droppings as an option in the management of soil nematodes on <i>Capsicum annuum</i> plant

A survey to evaluate the viability of poultry droppings as a management option for the control of plant parasitic nematodes was tested on Capsicum annuum. Bell pepper monoculture farms cultivated conventionally and another with poultry droppings as fertilizer were surveyed. Soil samples were collected using a hand trowel while roots were collected by means of kitchen knife. Plant parasitic nematodes extraction was done by using sieve plate method. Nematodes were identified using the light microscope of x4 and x10 objectives, and identification was done using a pictorial key. Roots assay from the conventional far revealed a total of 175 endophytic nematodes from 10 genera while 56 nematodes from 6 genera were extracted from the farm with poultry droppings. Nematode dynamics in diversity was observed such that certain nematode genera such as Meliodogyne, Radopholus, Pratylenchus, Ditylenchus, Hoplolaimus, Rhaditis were reported in both plots. Phyto-parasitic species were predominant at the conventional farm plot whereas nematodes predatory species recorded higher populations in the farm plot with poultry droppings, an observation which depict that parasitic nematodes could be inhibited by the presence of free living species. This observation further suggests that poultry droppings can adequately fit in as a management of nematodes management if properly harmonised.

Leishmania (Sauroleishmania) tarentolae versus pathogenic species: comparative evaluation of protease activity, glycoconjugates, resistance to complement and metabolome composition.

Leishmania tarentolae is a non-pathogenic species found in lizards representing an important model for Leishmania biology. However, several aspects of this Sauroleishmania remain unknown to explain its low level of virulence. We reported several aspects of L. tarentolae biology including glycoconjugates, proteolytic activities and metabolome composition in comparison to pathogenic species (Leishmania amazonensis, Leishmania braziliensis, Leishmania infantum and Leishmania major). Parasites were cultured for extraction and purification of lipophosphoglycan (LPG), immunofluorescence probing with anti-gp63 and resistance against complement. Parasite extracts were also tested for proteases activity and metabolome composition. Leishmania tarentolae does not express LPG on its surface. It expresses gp63 at lower levels compared to pathogenic species and, is highly sensitive to complement-mediated lysis. This species also lacks intracellular/extracellular activities of proteolytic enzymes. It has metabolic differences with pathogenic species, exhibiting a lower abundance of metabolites including ABC transporters, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids and steroids, TCA cycle, glycine/serine/threonine metabolism, glyoxylate/dicarboxylate metabolism and pentose-phosphate pathways. The non-pathogenic phenotype of L. tarentolae is associated with alterations in several biochemical and molecular features. This reinforces the need of comparative studies between pathogenic and non-pathogenic species to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of virulence during host-parasite interactions.

Antimicrobial and antioxidant test of several mistletoe extracts (Scurrula ferruginea (Roxb. Ex.Jack) Danser) from avocado plants

Scurrula ferruginea (Roxb. Ex. Jack) Danser is a mistletoe plant which is used by the community as a medicine for lowering blood pressure, cough medicine, diabetes, diarrhea, wounds, smallpox, skin infections, ulcers, diuretics and hypertension. This study aims to determine the antimicrobial potential, determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Lethal Concentration (MLC) as well as determine the antioxidant activity and total polyphenols from fresh, boiled and steeped extracts of mistletoe (S. ferruginea) from avocado plants. The microbial tests used in this study were S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans. This study carried out in experimented methods and designed in nested pattern. The results showed that the inhibition zone of the avocado parasite extract had a significantly different effect on S. aureus and E. coli, but did not have a significantly different effect on the C. albicans test microbe. The MIC of fresh extract is true against S. aureus and E.coli which is 6.125% with 50% MLC. The optimal antioxidant value was obtained from fresh mistletoe extract with an IC50 value of 117.8 µg/ml in the medium activity category and the highest total polyphenols obtained from fresh extract was 67.80 mg. GAE/ml.

THE STUDY of SOME BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITIES of CUSCUTA CHINENSIS and ITS TWO HOSTS

Introduction: Cuscuta, (Ces as Persian name) is a parasitic plant with different biological effects and applications. The metabolic profile and effects of the Ces depend on the host on which it grows. Its main components are phenols and flavonoids. Considering the antioxidant effects of these compounds, the purpose of this research was to investigate the antioxidant activities and total phenolic and flavonoid contents of Cuscuta as well as Mellissa officinalis and Alhaji murarum as hosts.
 Methods: Aqueous, hydroalcoholic extracts of the Cuscuta grown on two hosts were prepared separately. Hydroalcoholic extracts of host plants were also prepared. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were evaluated using Folin- Ciocalteu reagent and aluminum chloride colorimetric assays, respectively. In order to investigate the antioxidant activity, the ability of extracts to scavenge DPPH free radical (DPPH 2, 2-(diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and their capacity to reduce iron 3+ion were measured by FRAP method.
 Results: The results showed that all the examined extracts have significant phenolic and flavonoid contents. The highest antioxidant activity was observed in hydroalcoholic extracts, which was proportional to the amount of phenolic and flavonoid contents in the extracts. In addition, the extracts of host plants were richer than the parasite extracts. The extract of Mellissa officinalis showed better effects than Alhaji murarum in all of four investigated factors.
 Conclusion: According to the findings of the present study, the hydroalcoholic extracts of the Cuscuta plants are rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds, which may be the cause of the antioxidant activity. Of course, the compounds and effects of Cuscuta depend on the host. In future studies, the plant can be grown in different hosts.

Evaluation of Anticancer and Antioxidant Activities of Coffee Stem Parasite Extract <i>(Scurrula Ferruginea (Roxb. Ex Jack) Danser)</i> and in Silico Studies of its Isolate

Evaluation of Anticancer and Antioxidant Activities of Coffee Stem Parasite Extract <i>(Scurrula Ferruginea (Roxb. Ex Jack) Danser)</i> and in Silico Studies of its Isolate

Mitigating the Effects of Design for Manufacturability on Design Iteration Cycles in Advanced Integrated Circuit Design

In integrated circuit (IC) design for advanced manufacturing processes, iterative improvement processes are an approach commonly used for improving design quality, particularly for low-energy, high-frequency circuits. Layout-dependent effects (LDEs) affect IC design and fabrication, resulting in differences in circuit functionality and performance in presimulation versus postsimulation. These differences can greatly increase the length of design iteration cycles. Foundries have attempted to accelerate the iterative design process by providing process design kit libraries to IC designers. However, these kits can neither fully mitigate the negative affect of LDEs on design for manufacturability (DFM) nor eliminate the difference between presimulation and postsimulation results. To address this problem, this study proposed a novel algorithm-based design process in which an IC designer can use layout parasitic extraction to extract the DFM parameters of all components in a circuit prior to the routing process; these parameters include netlists that describe the internal connectivity of components as well as their interconnectivity with other components. Accordingly, the IC designer can determine the effects of DFM parameters on the circuit and modify them in advance if necessary. When the LDEs generated by device placement have been confirmed to not affect circuit properties, physical verification of the routing of metal wires in the IC layout can be performed. In this verification, postsimulations only need to focus on problems regarding the wire loading and timing effects of metal routing. The proposed design process is useful for mitigating LDEs in IC design and considerably reduces the time required for iterative improvement processes. Specifically, this study provides a method of enhancing design iteration cycles and provides guidelines for analyzing factors that hinder IC device functionality and performance. In sum, various problems can be resolved by separately extracting the DFM parameters associated with LDEs and parasitic parameters associated with routing.

Fast and Accurate Parasitic Extraction in Multichip Power Module Design Automation Considering Eddy-Current Losses

Recent studies in power electronic design automation have introduced various models for parasitic extraction of multichip power module layouts. However, none of these studies consider the eddy current effect in the direct-bonded-copper substrate, accounting for 40-50% error in the extraction result. This work introduces a methodology for eddy-current consideration through numerical simulation and regression modeling. The regression model utilized in the characterization process in this work is fast and memory-efficient compared to the finite element approach. This characterization process can improve the accuracy of any partial element model without sacrificing performance. Combining this characterization process and partial element approach achieves less than 10% extraction error compared to Ansys Q3D while showing a maximum speed-up of 35× and 17× more memory efficiency. This method also significantly reduces the number of elements in the extracted netlist and the complexity of loop evaluation. This method is attractive for use with optimization routines and therefore has been used successfully in a layout optimization tool.

Anthelmintic efficacy of Phlogacanthus thyrsiflorus leaf extract on juvenile and adult worms of Hymenolepis diminuta (Cestoda).

The leaves of Phlogacanthus thyrsiflorus are used as an anthelmintic remedy by the tribal communities of upper Assam in India. The present study was carried out to validate the anthelmintic credentials of this plant. Mature and larval Hymenolepis diminuta worms were exposed to varying concentration of methanolic leaf extract of plant and parasites were observed for paralysis and mortality. At the end of the experiment, worms were collected and processed for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study to observe the effect of extract on tegument of parasite. The in vivo study was carried out in H. diminuta-rat model with 200, 400 and 800mg/kg concentrations of extract. The in vivo anthelmintic efficacy was assessed by reductions in egg per gram (EPG) and worm counts after necropsy of animals. In vitro studies revealed the earliest mortality of larval worms in 1.05 ± 0.04h by 30mg/ml concentration and of adult worms in 2.05 ± 0.08h. SEM study revealed extensive damage to the suckers, body tegument and microtriches of worms treated with 30mg/ml concentration of extract. In in-vivo studies, 800mg/kg dose of extract showed highest efficacy, with 59% and 54.25% reduction in EPG counts and worm count against juvenile worms, and 63.16% and 66.75% reduction in EPG counts and worm counts, respectively against adult worms. Although the effects were comparatively less than the reference drug, nevertheless this study reveals that P. thyrsiflorus possess anthelmintic efficacy and justify its use in traditional medicine against intestinal-worm infections.

SkyBridge 2.0: A Fine-grained Vertical 3D-IC Technology for Future ICs

Gate-all-around field effect transistors (FETs) are set to replace FinFETs to enable continued miniaturization of ICs in the deep nanometer regime. IMEC and IRDS roadmaps project that 3D integration of gate-all-around FETs is a key path for the IC industry beyond 2024. In this article, we present SkyBridge 2.0, an IC technology featuring high density fine-grained 3D integration of vertical gate-all-around nanowire FETs, contacts, and interconnect while also solving 3D routability. We utilize industry-standard EDA tools to develop a customized design and technology co-optimization (DTCO) flow to design and evaluate SkyBridge 2.0. This DTCO flow covers process emulation of standard cells and SRAM to enable scalable manufacturing pathway, TCAD characterization of vertical nanowire FETs to obtain IV and CV characteristics, compact modeling accurately the device behavior, RC parasitic extraction of 3D interconnects and performance, and power and area assessment using ring oscillators. The technology assessment using ring oscillators shows that SkyBridge 2.0 at the chosen design point, using 10 nm nanowires, achieves ∼18% performance and 31% energy efficiency benefits compared to 7 nm FinFET technology. Area analysis of logic cells shows up to six times density benefits versus aggressively scaled 2D-CMOS cells. In addition to logic, we architect 3D SRAM to support low-power memory designs. SkyBridge 2.0 SRAM shows ∼20% improvement in read and write static noise margin, up to three times lower leakage current, and up to four times density benefits compared to 7 nm FinFET technology.

Carrier multiplication in perovskite solar cells with internal quantum efficiency exceeding 100%

Carrier multiplication (CM) holds great promise to break the Shockley-Queisser limit of single junction photovoltaic cells. Despite compelling spectroscopic evidence of strong CM effects in halide perovskites, studies in actual perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are lacking. Herein, we reconcile this knowledge gap using the testbed Cs0.05FA0.5MA0.45Pb0.5Sn0.5I3 system exhibiting efficient CM with a low threshold of 2Eg (~500 nm) and high efficiency of 99.4 ± 0.4%. Robust CM enables an unbiased internal quantum efficiency exceeding 110% and reaching as high as 160% in the best devices. Importantly, our findings inject fresh insights into the complex interplay of various factors (optical and parasitic absorption losses, charge recombination and extraction losses, etc.) undermining CM contributions to the overall performance. Surprisingly, CM effects may already exist in mixed Pb-Sn PSCs but are repressed by its present architecture. A comprehensive redesign of the existing device configuration is needed to leverage CM effects for next-generation PSCs.

Tracking of bifurcations and hysteresis in electrostatically actuated resonators by motion-induced current

In this work, we present an experimental technique to detect the onset of bifurcation and measure the extent of hysteresis in electrostatic MEMS. The device-under-test comprises a microcantilever beam actuated via a side electrode. The beam vibrations result in varying the resonator’s capacitance, therefore inducing a current that can be measured and used for characterization and performance analysis. The motion-induced current is measured, and its harmonics are extracted using a lock-in amplifier. Locking on the third harmonic of the induced current enables us to bypass parasitic capacitance and extract a signal directly related to the resonator motions. We show that this signal can be used to investigate the nonlinear dynamic behavior of MEMS resonators undergoing large motions. Specifically, our experiments demonstrate our technique's ability to detect various bifurcations, to track the onset of hysteresis, and to measure the hysteresis bandwidth. We also use our technique to analyze the quantitative relationships between the actuation voltage, the location of the bifurcation point, and the hysteretic bandwidth. Finally, we show that our technique can be used to generate the calibration curves for inertial MEMS sensors.

Comparative Analysis of Open and Short Defects in Embedded SRAM Using Parasitic Extraction Method for Deep Submicron Technology

Comparative Analysis of Open and Short Defects in Embedded SRAM Using Parasitic Extraction Method for Deep Submicron Technology

Analysis and Implementation of Controlled Semiconductor Switch for Ultra-Wideband Radar Sensor Applications.

All ultra-wideband (UWB) sensor applications require hardware designed directly for their specific application. The switching of broadband radio frequency and microwave signals is an integral part of almost every piece of high-frequency equipment, whether in commercial operation or laboratory conditions. The trend of integrating various circuit structures and systems on a chip (SoC) or in a single package (SiP) is also related to the need to design these integrated switches for various measuring devices and instruments in laboratories, paradoxically for their further development. Another possible use is switching high-frequency signals in telecommunications devices, whether mobile or fixed networks, for example, for switching signals from several antennas. Based on these requirements, a high-frequency semiconductor integrated switch with NMOS transistors was designed. With these transistors, it is possible to achieve higher integration than with bipolar ones. Even though MOSFET transistors have worse frequency characteristics, we can compensate them to some extent with the precise design of the circuit and layout of the chip. This article describes the analysis and design of a high-frequency semiconductor integrated switch for UWB applications consisting of three series-parallel switches controlled by CMOS logic signals. They are primarily intended for UWB sensor systems, e.g., when switching and configuring the antenna MIMO system or when switching calibration tools. The design of the switch was implemented in low-cost 0.35 µm SiGe BiCMOS technology with an emphasis on the smallest possible attenuation and the largest possible bandwidth and isolation. The reason for choosing this technology was also that other circuit structures of UWB systems were realized in this technology. Through the simulations, individual parameters of the circuit were simulated, the layout of the chip was also created, and the parameters of the circuit were simulated with the parasitic extraction and the inclusion of parasitic elements (post-layout simulations). Subsequently, the chip was manufactured and its parameters were measured and evaluated. Based on these measurements, the designed and fabricated UWB switch was found to have the following parameters: a supply current of 2 mA at 3.3 V, a bandwidth of 6 GHz, an insertion loss (at 1 GHz) of -2.2 dB, and isolation (at 1 GHz) of -33 dB, which satisfy the requirements for our UWB sensor applications.

Deep-Learning-Driven Random Walk Method for Capacitance Extraction

Random-walk based methods for solving Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) exhibit significant advantages and applicability to numerous domains. One of these is parasitic capacitance extraction in modern silicon technologies, where they are essentially called upon to solve a boundary-value problem. In this regime, fast and accurate calculation of the Green’s function within the transition domains of the random walk is critical for competitive performance. Silicon processes in advanced nodes introduce complex or special dielectric structures that challenge currently established methods for characterizing the Green’s function. In this paper, a novel approximation method for the Green’s function and the Green’s function gradient is presented, which leverages Group-Equivariant Convolutional Neural Networks (G-CNNs). This can accompany existing multi-tier Green’s function data pre-computation schemes. Additionally, it enables performing the crucial step of sampling according to the Green’s function without explicit calculation of the Green’s function itself. A novel end-to-end random-walk architecture is discussed which incorporates such deep neural-networks, and its utility is demonstrated though numerical experiments. The proposed scheme enjoys massive gains in terms of speed for advanced CMOS nm node setups with non-planar dielectric media, compared to a straight Finite Differences Method (FDM) solution, while maintaining good accuracy levels.

MLTDRC: Machine learning driven faster timing design rule check convergence

Timing design rule check (T-DRC) convergence follows an iterative procedure like physical design closure. On a medium-complex design, the conventional flow of T-DRC convergence requires about 14 h per iteration, which includes fill insertion, sign-off accurate standard parasitic extraction format generation, sign-off static timing analysis, engineering change order (ECO) list generation in the multi-corner multi-mode scenario, fill removal, and implementation of the ECO on the pre-fill design. The T-DRC values generated from the pre-fill stage auto-place and route tool often have a miscorrelation with the sign-off values obtained from the static timing analysis tool. Due to the correlation gap, designers prefer to wait for the ECO change list to be created by the sign-off tool at the end of each iteration rather than resolve it at the pre-fill stage in the construction tool. Hence, T-DRC convergence is a lengthy process. This paper discusses an automatic T-DRC convergence methodology driven by machine learning (ML) techniques. By anticipating the transition of the input pin of a cell and the capacitance of its output pin, the suggested methodology shortens the runtime of each iteration. Additionally, it forecasts the suitable buffer to correct the T-DRC violation in the case of buffer insertion. With almost accurate prediction of T-DRC values using the ML approach, the sign-off flow can now be bypassed for a few iterations during the timing convergence phase, resulting in fewer iterations in the T-DRC sign-off flow. The violation percentage and the desired buffer name are obtained from the ML prediction result for each violation. An automatic in-house T-DRC fixer flow is developed to correct the violating elements beforehand, saving around 12 h of runtime for each iteration. Since ML prediction can never be 100% accurate, the final timing sign-off should always be done with the sign-off tool and flow to ensure zero silicon bug. With the help of ML prediction and the T-DRC fixer methodology, T-DRC convergence is possible in fewer sign-off tool iterations, resulting in a left shift of about two weeks in the timing closure cycle on the actual project execution.