Dynamic weighting and/or target zone analysis in timing driven placement of cells of an integrated circuit design
US6415426B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 2, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 2, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 16, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F30/392
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A novel global placement process and associated computer software are provided for global placement of functional cells of an integrated circuit design. The global placement process is recursive and timing driven. Functional cells are placed according to how that placement is likely to influence signal timing. Also, a novel detailed placement process and associated computer software is provided for detailed placement of functional cells of an integrated circuit design. Target zones are defined which provide indications of the timing impact of functional cell movement. A detailed search for improved cell placements is conducted in which target zones are used to assess the signal timing impact of proposed cell movements. The novel global placement produces a global cell placement result, and the novel detailed placement process produces an improved detailed placement result.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.