Functionality Based Area Routing for VLSI Design

Suny At Binghamton, Binghamton NY

Investigators

Abstract

ABSTRACT The dominance of interconnect delay on modern circuit performance has resulted in a shift in design practices. Modern design flows require both better area routing methods, and better support of performance constraints. This project explores a new approach to area routing, placing first priority on the functionality of interconnecting wires, with design rule compliance being considered secondarily. Under study are (1) methods to classify and characterize interconnect structures, (2) methods to evaluate the performance of groups of these structures, and (3) algorithmic techniques to select a set of interconnect structures which meet performance constraints and also obey design rules. A practical area routing tool is being developed.