RC Interconnect Optimization under the Elmore Delay Model

An efficient solution to the wire sizing problem (WSP) using the Elmore delay model is proposed. Two formulations of the problem are put forth: in the first, the minimum interconnect delay is sought, while in the second, we minimize the net delay under delay constraints at the leaf nodes; previous approaches solve only the former problem. Theoretical results on these problems are proved, and a sensitivity-based algorithm is devised. It is shown experimentally that the second formulation provides significantly better engineering solutions.