Timing optimization for multisource nets: characterization and optimal repeater insertion

Abstract

This paper presents new results in the area of timing optimization for multisource nets. The augmented RC-diameter (ARD) is suggested as a natural and practical performance measure and a linear time algorithm for computing the ARD of a multisource net is presented. Building on the ARD measure, we characterize the multisource optimization problem in terms of operations on piece-wise linear functions. This characterization is then used to develop an algorithm for optimal repeater insertion: for a given multisource topology the algorithm efficiently identifies an optimal assignment of repeaters to prescribed insertion points under the "min cost timing feasible" problem formulation. The algorithm has been implemented and computational results demonstrate the viability of the approach.