Timing-Aware Latch Clustering and Placement for Low Clock Power

The patent performs latch clustering and placement optimization in advance during the design stage, considering timing constraints and capacitive load effects. By preemptively optimizing latch placement based on timing-aware criteria before fabrication, the method prevents the need for significant perturbations during later fabrication stages, thus resolving the contradiction between simplifying the placement process and maintaining placement precision.

The patent incorporates timing parameters (such as clock arrival times, path delays, and timing constraints) directly into the latch clustering optimization process. By changing the clustering criteria from simple spatial proximity to timing-aware optimization that considers clock signal propagation and timing requirements, the method achieves both ease of manufacture through automated optimization and reliability in meeting timing requirements.

The patent optimizes latch placement at the local level by forming clusters around specific clock distribution points, allowing different regions of the circuit to have tailored placements that minimize their local capacitive load. This local optimization approach reduces overall clock wire capacitance and power consumption while maintaining timing efficiency, as each cluster is independently optimized for its specific timing requirements rather than using a uniform global placement strategy.

The patent simultaneously optimizes multiple parameters including timing constraints, capacitive load, and power consumption in an integrated optimization framework. By changing the optimization objective from single-parameter (either timing or power) to multi-parameter optimization that considers both timing requirements and power efficiency together, the method achieves power-efficient latch placement that meets timing requirements, resolving the contradiction between these two objectives.