9 track cells VS 12 track cells

track is the path in which nets can pass through.

Track is generally used as a unit to define the height of the std cell. a 12 track cell will  be taller than a 9 track cell. a 12 track std cell will be taller , that means more metal 1 routing  space is available within the cell, hence cells will be faster. where as in a 9 track cell, the cell  will be compact, but speed is less compared to 12 track.

9track -> less area, less speed compared to 12 track.

12tarck -> more area, more speed compared to 9 tracks.

Wide performance range for all types of designs

• Ultra high density/low power; 7 or 8-track (SC7/SC8) libraries for cost critical applications

• High density; 9 or 10-track (SC9/SC10) libraries for mainstream applications

• High performance; 12-track (SC12) libraries for speed critical designs

• Variety of architectures based on different track heights and cell designs cover a wide performance, power and area range.
• High Performance libraries are 20% faster than High Density mainstream libraries
• Ultra High Density versions based on smallest cell height require 20% less area and power than mainstream libraries