Channel ordering for VLSI layout with rectilinear modules

The authors present a channel-ordering algorithm for VLSI layout with rectilinear modules. Existing approaches for layout with rectangular modules using only straight and L-shaped channels are no longer applicable. In general, rectilinear channels are needed. An important class of channels, called staircase channels, is introduced. This algorithm produces a feasible channel ordering which minimizes the usage of nonstaircase channels and minimizes the number of corners in a channel