Abstract: Modular layout design units are provided with an internal channel for multi-directional distribution of a shared signal. In one illustrative embodiment, an integrated circuit includes: one or more modular units, each modular unit having an internal channel for signal distribution. The internal channel possesses: an edge connection on each edge of the modular unit; a hub node coupled to each edge connection by a respective bi-directional buffer having an incoming buffer and an outgoing buffer with at least one of the incoming and outgoing buffers disabled, the bi-directional buffers cooperating to steer a signal from a selectable one of the edge connections to one or more of the other edge connections; and a tap providing the signal for use by internal circuitry of the modular unit.