Cycle time optimization by timing driven placement with simultaneous netlist transformations

We present new concepts to integrate logic synthesis and physical design. Our methodology uses general Boolean transformations as known from technology-independent synthesis, and a recursive bi-partitioning placement algorithm. In each partitioning step, the precision of the layout data increases. This allows effective guidance of the logic synthesis operations for cycle time optimization. An additional advantage of our approach is that no complicated layout corrections are needed when the netlist is changed

MILO : a microarchitecture and logic optimizer

In this report we discuss strengths and weaknesses of logic synthesis systems and describe a system for microarchitectural and logic optimization. Our system uses a set of algorithms for synthesizing SSI/MSI macros from parameterized microarchitecture components. In addition, it uses rules for optimizing both at the microarchitecture and logic level. The system increases designer productivity and requires less design knowledge and experience from circuit engineers

Timing models for high-level synthesis

In this paper, we describe a timing model for clock estimation during high-level synthesis. In order to obtain realistic timing estimates, the proposed model considers all delay elements, including datapath, control and wire delays, and several technology factors, such as layout architecture, technology mapping, buffers insertion and loading effects. The experimental results show that this model can provide much better estimates than previous models. This model is well suited for automatic and interactive synthesis as well as feedback-driven synthesis where performance matrices must be rapidly and incrementally calculated

Automated Synthesis of SEU Tolerant Architectures from OO Descriptions

SEU faults are a well-known problem in aerospace environment but recently their relevance grew up also at ground level in commodity applications coupled, in this frame, with strong economic constraints in terms of costs reduction. On the other hand, latest hardware description languages and synthesis tools allow reducing the boundary between software and hardware domains making the high-level descriptions of hardware components very similar to software programs. Moving from these considerations, the present paper analyses the possibility of reusing Software Implemented Hardware Fault Tolerance (SIHFT) techniques, typically exploited in micro-processor based systems, to design SEU tolerant architectures. The main characteristics of SIHFT techniques have been examined as well as how they have to be modified to be compatible with the synthesis flow. A complete environment is provided to automate the design instrumentation using the proposed techniques, and to perform fault injection experiments both at behavioural and gate level. Preliminary results presented in this paper show the effectiveness of the approach in terms of reliability improvement and reduced design effort

Cell replication and redundancy elimination during placement for cycle time optimization

This paper presents a new timing driven approach for cell replication tailored to the practical needs of standard cell layout design. Cell replication methods have been studied extensively in the context of generic partitioning problems. However, until now it has remained unclear what practical benefit can be obtained from this concept in a realistic environment for timing driven layout synthesis. Therefore, this paper presents a timing driven cell replication procedure, demonstrates its incorporation into a standard cell placement and routing tool and examines its benefit on the final circuit performance in comparison with conventional gate or transistor sizing techniques. Furthermore, we demonstrate that cell replication can deteriorate the stuck-at fault testability of circuits and show that stuck-at redundancy elimination must be integrated into the placement procedure. Experimental results demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed methodology and suggest that cell replication should be an integral part of the physical design flow complementing traditional gate sizing techniques