Abstract: A computer implemented method provides for simulation standard cells from an integrated circuit design in parallel on a distributed simulation system. The integrated circuit design (10) is divided into a plurality of standard cells (12-18). Characterization parameters such as temperature, process, supply voltage, edge rate and capacitive load are individually assigned (34) to each one of the standard cells. A first one (12) of the standard cells is scheduled (36) and dispatched (38) for simulation in a first computer workstation (22) on the distributed simulation system (20). A second one (14) of the standard cells is scheduled and dispatch for execution in a second computer workstation (24) on the distributed simulation system during the simulation of the first standard cell. The results of the first and second simulations are stored (40) upon completion of the respective simulation tasks.

Abstract: A method executed by a computer program performs cell characterization in a distributed simulation system by partitioning characterization tasks into individual simulations. A simulation job is generated based on the individual simulations and placed into a simulation job queue. The simulation job queue is copied into a database. The simulation job is accessed and processed in a remote simulator. The remote simulator returns a simulation status and simulation results which are placed into an acknowledge queue. The simulation process is repeated upon detecting an error condition from the simulation status. The simulation status is read from the acknowledge queue and the acknowledge queue is copied into the database.

Abstract: A method executed by a computer simulator measures energy dissipation in a cell having one or more outputs. A first series of simulations is performed with given cell parameters over a simulation period while varying capacitance on a first output of the cell for providing a first range of currents sunk by the cell. A second series of simulations provides a second range of currents by varying capacitance on a second output. The first and second ranges of currents are converted to first and second ranges of energy dissipations. The energy dissipation due to the charging rates is subtracted from energy dissipation due to the switching for providing a model of energy dissipation by the cell itself. A nominal point of the first range of energy dissipation may be subtracted from each point of the second range of energy dissipation for providing an offset range of energy dissipations.