Cell-based physical design under timing constraints

A physical design system is presented which incorporates timing requirements into the placement procedure. Timing analysis prior to layout is augmented with predictive capabilities. During this step, the most critical paths and nets are predicted. The timing data prepared by the timing analysis step are included into the set of constraints governing the placement. The algorithm automatically adapts its parameters depending on the characteristics of the partial placement solution and uses a look-ahead procedure for providing a more general view of the partial placement