Clock Net Routing with Dynamic Layer Range Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic design automation (EDA) software systems face challenges in efficiently routing circuit designs across multiple layers, often resulting in slow processes, congestion, long wirelength, increased power usage, or lower Quality of Result (QOR), due to either using all possible layers or strict predefined layer ranges.
Innovation Solution
The method involves iteratively adjusting the layer bounds of a predefined range based on wirelength, wire detour, or congestion thresholds, allowing for auto-expansion of the layer range and demoting edges near sinks, while increasing via routing costs to prefer higher layers, thereby reducing congestion and improving QOR.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If all possible layers are used for routing, then routing flexibility and quality improve, but routing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the layer range adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically determines the optimal layer range based on routing results, starting with a predefined range and expanding it only when necessary. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to achieve high routing quality when needed while maintaining fast processing when the predefined range is sufficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of layer range from a static predefined value to a dynamic value that can expand based on routing requirements. By monitoring routing results and only expanding the layer range when congestion or quality issues arise, the system optimizes the balance between routing quality and processing time.
2Productivity
If a predefined layer range is used for routing, then routing speed improves, but congestion and wirelength increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by monitoring routing results for signs of congestion or quality degradation and using this information to adjust the layer range. When the predefined range causes congestion or suboptimal routing, the system receives feedback and expands the layer range to resolve the issue, thereby maintaining both speed and quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the layer range based on actual routing conditions rather than sticking to a fixed predefined range. This dynamic approach allows the system to maintain high routing speed when the predefined range is sufficient while automatically expanding to avoid congestion when necessary.
3Device complexity
If strict routing between predefined layers is enforced, then routing process simplicity improves, but Quality of Result deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static strict layer constraint to a dynamic adjustable layer range. The system maintains simple routing processes when the predefined range is sufficient but automatically expands the layer range when quality issues arise, thus maintaining both simplicity and quality without requiring complex manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments provide for routing a net of a circuit design using multiple layer ranges. In particular, some embodiments route a net of a circuit design using multiple layer ranges by performing routing of the net over multiple iterations such that at each iteration, a layer bound of a layer range is gradually adjusted (e.g., relaxed) based on wirelength, wire detour, or congestion of a routing result of a prior iteration. For instance, some embodiments may gradually relax a layer bound of the layer range by increasing a layer upper bound or decreasing a layer lower bound.