Net Grouping for Automated Repeater Insertion in IC Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In large and complex integrated circuit (IC) designs, manually planning repeater insertion for numerous interconnects with overlapping routing topologies is time-consuming and error-prone, making it challenging to achieve timing and signal integrity closure.
Innovation Solution
The method involves grouping route segments and terminals into respective groups based on orthogonal and Manhattan distances, creating net signatures, and assigning priorities to net groups for efficient repeater insertion, allowing for automated operations through a graphical user interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual repeater insertion planning is performed for numerous interconnects, then repeater placement can be customized for each net, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large set of interconnects into multiple net groups based on routing topology characteristics. By dividing the complex routing problem into smaller, manageable groups with similar characteristics, the system can apply automated repeater insertion rules to each group while maintaining consistency and reducing manual intervention time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the manual planning approach into an automated process by changing the parameter representation of nets into net signatures that capture routing topology characteristics. This parameter transformation enables automated classification and grouping, allowing rapid repeater insertion without manual planning while maintaining precision through signature-based categorization.
2Loss of time
If automated repeater insertion is implemented without net grouping, then processing time is reduced, but timing closure and signal integrity become difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by computing net signatures and grouping nets before repeater insertion. This preprocessing step organizes nets into categories with similar routing characteristics, enabling the subsequent automated repeater insertion to proceed efficiently while maintaining timing closure reliability through group-based consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by treating different net groups with potentially different repeater insertion strategies based on their specific routing topology characteristics captured in net signatures. Each group receives customized treatment appropriate to its characteristics, while the overall process remains automated and efficient.
3Stability of the object's composition
If net grouping is performed based on routing topology, then repeater locations become organized with consistent timing characteristics, but the complexity of the grouping process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates simplified copies of net characteristics in the form of net signatures, which are compact representations capturing essential routing topology information. These signature copies enable complex grouping decisions to be made based on simple pattern matching, reducing the perceived complexity while achieving stable, consistent timing characteristics through proper net categorization.
Data Source
AI summary
Route segments of a set of nets may be grouped into route groups. Terminals of the set of nets may be grouped into terminal groups. For each net in the set of nets, a net signature may be determined based on route groups associated with the net and terminal groups associated with the net. The set of nets may be grouped into net groups based on the net signatures.