Patent ID: 6678871
Filing Date: 2004-01-13
Classification: G06F,Y10S

Abstract:
A timing distribution apparatus for use for hierarchical design, comprising:a plurality of timing distribution production sections individually provided corresponding to a plurality of design hierarchical layers, and each of which for receiving block information regarding a function of a circuit from a respective timing information database having netlist information regarding a wiring line scheme and outputting a respective timing distribution value obtained by distributing a delay value produced by a delay element of the circuit; and an inter-hierarchical layer association manager for dynamically changing connections between said plurality of timing distribution production sections and transmitting and receiving modification information regarding the respective timing distribution value to and from said plurality of timing distribution production sections, wherein said inter-hierarchical layer association manager receives a timing distribution specification changing request transmitted from the respective timing information database, extracts the other timing information databases on which the timing distribution specification change has an influence, and inquires from the pertaining timing information database whether a change of the respective timing distribution value is permissible, and outputs, when a response representing that a change of the respective distribution value is permissible is received from the pertaining timing information database, to the one timing information database a notification that a change of the respective timing distribution value is permissible, and updates, when the respective timing distribution value is changed, a higher hierarchical layer entity than the hierarchical layer in which the respective timing distribution value is changed.