How many critical paths classify a function? A study in design space extraction

A subproblem of the general design space extraction problem-classifying the design for a known function type such as an adder-is solved. An algorithm is presented that uses the distribution of critical path lengths as the basis for this classification. Experimental data are cited for a CAD tool implemented for the adder design space classification. This work also identifies the connection between the critical path lengths and the room for global optimization in a circuit