Method for circuit block routing based on switching activity
US7260804B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 21, 2004 |
| Grant date | Aug 21, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 8, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F30/394
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method, algorithm, software, architecture and/or system for routing signal paths or connections between circuit blocks in a circuit design is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of routing can include: (i) determining a switching activity for signal path between a first circuit block and a second circuit block; and (ii) routing the signal path substantially in a connectivity layer related to the switching activity of the signal path. The circuit blocks can include standard cells configured to implement a logic or timing function, other components, and/or integrated circuits, for example. The switching activity can include a switching frequency determination based on simulation results of the signal path between the circuit blocks. Embodiments of the present invention can advantageously reduce power consumption as well as supply noise by optimally routing signal paths between circuit blocks in an automated place-and-route flow. Further, signal integrity problems due to non-optimal routing can be reduced or minimized relative to conventional techniques.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.