Abstract: A method and system for inserting repeaters at different levels in a processor hierarchy involve tracing a net in a processor circuit followed by inserting repeaters at different locations in the net. The net is a circuit trace of wiring between circuit elements of a circuit, the net being divided into two nets. One net includes internal circuit elements of a processor component and another net includes external circuit elements of a processor component. A repeater solution, which includes inserted repeaters coupled to the internal circuit elements, is instantiated to other processor components. Subsequently, after instantiation of the repeater solution, repeaters are inserted in the nets external to the processor component.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates routing integrated circuit traces to reduce inductive noise coupling. Upon receiving an integrated circuit layout, the system routes traces between circuit elements of the integrated circuit through multiple layers of the integrated circuit layout. In doing so, the system groups traces together within each layer and separates each group from adjacent groups in the same layer using a shield trace. The system also routes a nearby shield trace on a nearby layer so that the nearby shield trace runs parallel to and is substantially centered on a group of traces within the layer. In this way, the nearby shield trace also provides inductive shielding for the group of traces.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates routing nets between cells in a circuit layout. During operation, the system receives a circuit design to be routed, wherein the circuit design includes multiple circuit blocks that have been placed at specific locations within the circuit layout. Next, the system determines estimated lengths for nets that couple these circuit blocks together. The system then calculates the delay for the nets that couple the circuit blocks using a class one rule. If the delay in a given net is greater than a specified delay, the system inserts a virtual repeater into the given net to decrease the delay.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that considers inductive effects while analyzing noise and propagation delay effect in a circuit layout. The system operates by first receiving the circuit layout, wherein the circuit layout specifies a plurality of nets that carry signals between circuit elements. Next, the system converts a given net into a single signal path, which is divided into a number of segments. The system then calculates inductance, capacitance, and resistance values for each segment. Next, the system uses these inductance, capacitance, and resistance values to produce a model for each segment. The system then couples together models for each segment into a model for the given net. The system uses the model for the given net to determine a noise and propagation delay effect through the given net.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates routing nets between cells in a circuit layout. During operation, the system receives a circuit design to be routed, wherein the circuit design includes multiple circuit blocks that have been placed at specific locations within the circuit layout. Next, the system determines estimated lengths for nets that couple these circuit blocks together. The system then calculates the delay for the nets that couple the circuit blocks using a class one rule. If the delay in a given net is greater than a specified delay, the system inserts a virtual repeater into the given net to decrease the delay.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that considers inductive effects while analyzing noise and propagation delay effect in a circuit layout. The system operates by first receiving the circuit layout, wherein the circuit layout specifies a plurality of nets that carry signals between circuit elements. Next, the system converts a given net into a single signal path, which is divided into a number of segments. The system then calculates inductance, capacitance, and resistance values for each segment. Next, the system uses these inductance, capacitance, and resistance values to produce a model for each segment. The system then couples together models for each segment into a model for the given net. The system uses the model for the given net to determine a noise and propagation delay effect through the given net.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates detecting one or more slow nodes in an integrated circuit layout. During operation, the system receives an integrated circuit layout. Next, the system inserts repeaters into signal lines of the integrated circuit layout to define a set of nets. The system then produces a resistance/capacitance (R/C) model for each net and obtains a timing model for each driver and receiver in the integrated circuit layout. This timing model specifies a non-linear circuit model for each driver and a non-linear circuit model for each receiver in the layout. The system then performs a circuit simulation using the timing model for each driver and receiver and the R/C model for each net. The system uses results of this circuit simulation to identify one or more slow nodes in the integrated circuit layout.

Abstract: The present invention organizes the circuits on a VLSI chip into clusters. A number of channels exist in-between the clusters. Blocks of repeaters are used in a linear array, and are placed adjacent the edges of the clusters where repeaters are estimated to be needed. The repeater cells themselves are preferably formed to have a width less than or equal to the width of a line track for routing lines such that an array of repeater cells can be lined up with an array of routing lines in a bus.

Abstract: A cache control unit and a method of controlling a cache. The cache is coupled to a cache accessing device. A first cache request is received from the device. A request identification information is assigned to the first cache request and provided to the requesting device. The first cache request may begin to be processed. A second cache request is received from the cache accessing device. The second cache request is assigned to the first cache request and provided to the requesting device. The first and second cache requests are finally fully serviced.