Automated programmable process and method for the improvement of electrical digital signal transition rates in a VLSI design

• Main Authors: Camporese, Peter J, Jatkowski, Adam R, Sigal, Leon J, Williams, Patrick M
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 30.09.2003

The following invention relates generally to signal transmission in Very Large Scale Integration/Ultra Large Scale Integration (VLSI/ULSI) systems and specifically to an efficient process for evaluation of electrical digital signal transmission properties and performance optimization in VLSI/ULSI chip design. A method (and a system for using the method) for automating a slew rate analysis between two or more circuits on a semiconductor chip. The method includes the steps of: receiving as input one or more input parameters characterizing the physical medium through which the signal propagation occurs (the net) and the electrical characteristics of signals transmitted between the circuits; and providing as output one or more output parameters characterizing the appropriate solution for physical implementation of the circuit(s) and net(s) which satisfy the performance requirements of the system. The receiving step can comprise any one of: providing a hierarchical signal name cross-reference defining a name for the signal for a given hierarchy level of the circuits; providing a set of one or more boolean equations used to generate the one or more output parameters from the one or more input parameters; providing a physical design information for the circuits; and providing a timing information for the signals. The boolean equations can include as input variables: the physical design information for the circuits; and the timing information for the signals. The transmitting step includes the steps of: determining if the signals require one or more buffers; determining if signal pin locations of the circuits through hierarchical levels thereof are not optimal; determining if strengths of transistors driving the signals must be increased; determining if the widths of wires used to transmit the signals must be increased; and determining if wires used to transmit the signals must be on less resistive wiring layers.