PLD Component Placement Repacking for Timing Accuracy

The patent implements a dynamic repacking process that repeatedly adjusts component placements based on timing analysis. The system performs multiple passes of placement optimization, where components are selectively repacked into different logic blocks based on critical path timing requirements. This dynamic approach allows the placement to adapt and improve timing accuracy through iterative refinement rather than relying on a single static placement pass.

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where timing analysis results from routing are fed back into the placement process. The system analyzes actual timing data after routing, identifies components on critical paths with poor timing, and uses this feedback to guide subsequent repacking operations. This closed-loop feedback ensures that placement decisions are continuously refined based on actual performance data.

The patent implements an automated system that performs timing analysis and component repacking without requiring user intervention. The system automatically identifies components on critical paths, analyzes their timing performance, and selectively repacks them into optimal logic blocks. This self-service approach replaces manual user grouping with an automated algorithm that continuously optimizes placement based on timing criteria, eliminating the need for users to manually manage component groups.

The patent introduces an automated placement optimization system as an intermediary between the user's netlist and the final physical placement. This intermediary system performs timing analysis, identifies optimization opportunities, and executes repacking operations automatically. Users simply provide their design netlist, and the intermediary system handles all the complex timing optimization and placement management, returning an optimized placement without requiring user expertise in placement management.

The patent performs preliminary timing analysis and component identification before the final placement optimization. The system pre-identifies components that are likely to be on critical paths and pre-analyzes their timing requirements. This preliminary action allows the subsequent repacking process to focus specifically on these critical components, improving signal path timing efficiency by addressing the most important timing issues first rather than treating all components equally.

The patent segments the placement optimization process into distinct phases: initial placement, routing, timing analysis, critical path identification, and selective repacking. By dividing the overall placement process into these manageable segments, the system can apply specialized optimization techniques to each phase. The segmentation allows the system to maintain speed in early phases while applying more complex timing-driven optimization only where necessary in later phases.