Efficient over-the-cell routing algorithm for general middle terminal model

A new class of cell models called Middle Terminal Model (MTM) has been proposed. In MTM, each cell contains two rows of terminals such that two terminals in a column of a cell are equipotential. Selecting an appropriate terminal row from two terminal rows available for each cell row in a standard cell design allows allocation of more over-the-cell area to the nets in congested channels. The MTM+V router is presented. It is an efficient router for MTM based standard cell designs, when vias are allowed in over-the-cell areas. The MTM+V router is based on two key algorithms, i.e., an optimal algorithm for terminal row selection and a greedy routing algorithm for over-the-cell and channel routing