Analog Circuit Placement Using Genetic Row-Based Optimization

The patent segments the placement problem into discrete row assignments and positional offsets rather than treating all coordinates as continuous optimization variables. Instances are first assigned to specific rows, then positioned within those rows, reducing the search space and avoiding overlaps by constraining the optimization to non-overlapping row-based regions.

The patent introduces a row dimension as an intermediate level of organization between individual instances and the final placement coordinates. By assigning instances to rows first and then positioning them within rows, the system transforms a two-dimensional coordinate optimization problem into a hierarchical structure that naturally prevents overlaps while maintaining placement flexibility.

The patent performs preliminary row assignment for each instance before final positioning. By determining which row each instance belongs to in advance of the detailed placement optimization, the system ensures row style requirements are satisfied while maintaining efficient automated placement through subsequent position optimization within the predefined row structure.

The patent applies different optimization strategies to different aspects of placement: row assignment ensures global structural compliance with row style requirements, while local position optimization within rows achieves efficient packing. This localized approach to different placement aspects maintains both speed and precision requirements.