User-guided autorouting

US7536665B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Cadence Design Systems, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Greg Horlick · Madison, US
• Randall Lawson · Seabrook, US
• Donald Keith Morgan · Chelmsford, US
• Paul Musto · Hollis, US
• Joe Smedley · Chelmsford, US
• Ken Wadland · Grafton, US
• Richard Allen Woodward, Jr. · San Diego, US
• Sean Bergan · Andover, US
• Walter Katz · Boulder, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 25, 2006
• Grant date: May 19, 2009
• Expiry date: Jan 11, 2027

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G06F30/394
• WIPO field: Computer technology
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A mechanism is provided for the user to define a circuit design intent or strategy in the form of data that is stored with the design database. An autorouter then uses this guidance from the user to create a plan for routing the design. The user can then modify their guidance to the router until the results for the plan are acceptable. Using the planned flow, the autorouter can complete the design, creating detailed paths including etch segments and vias. Allowing such interaction with an autorouter significantly reduces the routing time and hence time-to-market.