Accurate prediction of physical design characteristics for random logic

An accurate model is presented for the prediction of physical design characteristics, such as interconnection lengths and layout areas, for standard cell layouts. This model produces accurate shape constraint functions (height versus width of the layout over a range of aspect ratios) by considering the logic design specification, the physical design process, and the physical implementation technology. Random and optimized placements, global and detailed routing are each abstracted by procedural models that capture the important features of these processes. Equations that define the procedure model are presented. Predictions of layout characteristics that are within 10% of the actual layouts are achieved over a range of circuit functions and sizes. The authors have verified both the global characteristics (total interconnection length and layout area) and the detailed characteristics (wire length and feedthrough distributions) of the model. Accurate prediction of physical design characteristics is useful for floorplanning, evaluating the fit of a logic design to a fabrication technology, and studying placement algorithms