Method and apparatus for pre-tabulating sub-networks

US7398503B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Cadence Design Systems, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Steven Teig · Menlo Park, US
• Asmus Hetzel · Berlin, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 31, 2002
• Grant date: Jul 8, 2008
• Expiry date: Nov 8, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S707/99943
• WIPO field: Computer technology
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A method for pre-tabulating sub-networks that (1) generates a sub-network that performs a function, (2) generates a parameter based on this function, and (3) stores the sub-network based on the parameter. In some embodiments, the generated sub-network has several circuit elements, performs two or more functions, or is stored in an encoded manner. A method for producing a circuit description of a design that (1) selects a candidate sub-network from the design, (2) identifies an output function performed by the sub-network, (3) based on the identified output function, identifies a replacement sub-network from a storage structure, and (4) replaces the candidate sub-network with the replacement sub-network in certain conditions. In some embodiments, this method is performed to map a design to a particular technology library. Some embodiments provide a data storage structure that stores sub-networks based on parameters derived from the output functions of the sub-networks.