Abstract: The invention relates to a method for eliminating routing congestion in an integrated circuit (IC) layout defined by a placement plan indicating a position within the layout of each cell forming the IC and routing plan describing routes followed by nets interconnecting the cells. Routing congestion is eliminated by estimating routing congestion in various areas of the layout and relocating each cell to least routing congested areas of the layout for which cell relocation results in a reduction in the total lengths of the nets connected to the cell that exceeds a predetermined minimum reduction.

Abstract: When an IC layout is to include time-constrained signal paths, a placement plan defining positions of cells forming the IC is analyzed to estimate lengths of nets needed to interconnect the cells based on the positions of cells included in those signal paths. A capacitance and resistance of each net is then estimated based on its estimated length. The delay through each time-constrained signal path is then estimated based on the estimated capacitance and resistance of each net to be included in the time-constrained signal path and on the terminal impedances, switching speeds and driving strengths of the cells included in the signal path. The estimated path delay for each signal path is then compared to its timing constraint to determine whether that signal path is a “critical signal path” likely to fail to meet its timing constraint following development of a detailed routing plan.

Abstract: When an IC layout is to include time-constrained signal paths, a placement plan defining positions of cells forming the IC is analyzed to estimate lengths of nets needed to interconnect the cells based on the positions of cells included in those signal paths. A capacitance and resistance of each net is then estimated based on its estimated length. The delay through each time-constrained signal path is then estimated based on the estimated capacitance and resistance of each net to be included in the time-constrained signal path and on the terminal impedances, switching speeds and driving strengths of the cells included in the signal path. The estimated path delay for each signal path is then compared to its timing constraint to determine whether that signal path is a “critical signal path” likely to fail to meet its timing constraint following development of a detailed routing plan.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for eliminating routing congestion in an integrated circuit (IC) layout defined by a placement plan indicating a position within the layout of each cell forming the IC and routing plan describing routes followed by nets interconnecting the cells. Routing congestion is eliminated by estimating routing congestion in various areas of the layout and relocating each cell to least routing congested areas of the layout for which cell relocation results in a reduction in the total lengths of the nets connected to the cell that exceeds a predetermined minimum reduction.

Abstract: To help eliminate overlapping cell placements or to reduce routing congestion in an IC layout wherein cells are integer multiples of a standard size cell unit, the layout is organized into an array of rectangular blocks, each having capacity to accommodate several cell units. A separate equation is established for each block relating a sum of a set of flow variables to an “overflow factor”. Each flow variable of the equation for each block corresponds to a separate one of that block's neighboring blocks and represents an estimated number of cell units that must be moved to or received from the corresponding neighboring block to eliminate overlapping cell placements or routing congestion within the block. The overflow factor for each block represents an estimated total number of cell units the block must pass into its neighboring blocks or an estimated maximum number of cell units it may receive from its neighboring blocks in order to eliminate cell overlap or routing congestion in all blocks.

Abstract: To help eliminate overlapping cell placements or to reduce routing congestion in an IC layout wherein cells are integer multiples of a standard size cell unit, the layout is organized into an array of rectangular blocks, each having capacity to accommodate several cell units. A separate equation is established for each block relating a sum of a set of flow variables to an “overflow factor”. Each flow variable of the equation for each block corresponds to a separate one of that block's neighboring blocks and represents an estimated number of cell units that must be moved to or received from the corresponding neighboring block to eliminate overlapping cell placements or routing congestion within the block. The overflow factor for each block represents an estimated total number of cell units the block must pass into its neighboring blocks or an estimated maximum number of cell units it may receive from its neighboring blocks in order to eliminate cell overlap or routing congestion in all blocks.