open-source-silicon.dev

<@U016Y9FMA2Y> You can assign multiple metal layers for the IO pins with `FP_IO_HMETAL` and `FP_IO_VMETAL` . Other option is to change the `min_distance` (default 5um) option in the script/openroad/or_ioplacer.tcl.

<@U01L8BR7FFA> I have already assigned different metal layers. I have played with the minimum distance as well
What is `random seed` ?
`place_pins $opts\`
        `-random_seed 42 \`
        `-min_distance 5 \`
        `-hor_layers $::env(FP_IO_HMETAL)\`
        `-ver_layers $::env(FP_IO_VMETAL)`

what's even more baffling is, it says number of pins 2433, however I have 3033 pins.

I don’t know, <@U01680FK487> may have the answer.

What design are you working on? I think you have too many IO pins that cannot fit to the design’s boundary (maximum number with your current area is 2433). Reduce the the core ultilization (increase the design area) will get more room for the IO placement but that’s not good for the density.

<@U016Y9FMA2Y> I think increasing the `DIE_AREA` should help. Another way to workaround this is to use `FP_PIN_ORDER_CFG` file. For some reason that I don't know of the custom IO placer can place pins in a small area better than the openroad placer.

I have increased the area from 1.5 to 4 mm^2 but to no avail
Haven't tried `FP_PIN_ORDER` 
Let's see if that helps

<@U016Y9FMA2Y> Are you using an absolute FP  ? The area might need to be increased in the X direction but not the Y or vice versa.

yes absolute
oh, why is that? It places them on both X and Y ? `FP_IO_HMETAL and FP_IO_VMETAL`
Did I miss something?

<@U016Y9FMA2Y> Yes, it places them on both X and Y boundaries. In case you don't have an aspect ratio of 1, you will have more pins on the longer side.

Yes the aspect ratio is one so this wouldn't work either