Resistance Extraction using a Routing Algorithm

This paper presents a new algorithm for calculating the resistance of an arbitrarily shaped polygon within a VLSI mask layout analysis program. In contrast to earlier approaches no polygon decomposition is required. Instead the current flow is determined by a routing algorithm. The resistance approximation is derived from the current flow. Experimental results have shown that this new algorithm achieves accurate results in comparatively little time. I. INTRODUCTION The extraction of parasitic resistances is one of the most important analysis steps in physical design. The main problem is to get the resistance value as accurate as possible within acceptable run time, especially for complex non-Manhattan style polygons. The most accurate algorithms for resistance calculation solve Laplace's equations numerically ([1]). With respect to the complexity of VLSI design an approximate solution must be used. Recently published algorithms are based on the divide-and-conquer paradigm. An arbitrar..