Abstract: A physical information database is utilized as an interface between a datapath cell library and a number of electronic design automation tools, such as a datapath synthesis tool, a chip estimator, an HDL generation tool, and a datapath compilation tool. The physical information database includes global parameters applicable to every cell in the datapath cell library and local parameters defining attributes that are associated with individual cells in the datapath cell library. The physical information database includes a standard format allowing uniform access by the electronic design automation tools.