Patent ID: 8949761
Filing Date: 2015-02-03
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method of routing signal wires in an integrated circuit design, the method comprising: applying, using a data processing system, a first rule that attempts to route a signal wire along existing power supply shapes of the integrated circuit design based on a first endpoint and a second endpoint identified for a signal wire to be routed within the integrated circuit design, wherein the existing power supply shapes are designed to distribute power and are not designed to function as shields; applying, using the data processing system, a second rule that provides shield wires along segments of the signal wire that are not routed along one of the existing power supply shapes, wherein each of the shield wires are connected to one of the existing power supply shapes that is adjacent to a segment of the signal wire; and routing, using the data processing system, the signal wire between the first endpoint and the second endpoint while applying the first and second rules; evaluate a route cost for the signal wire route, wherein the route cost is determined based on criteria including at least one of a length of the signal wire and a length of the shield wire for a corresponding route; compare the route cost to one or more of (i) another route cost for routing the signal wire via a different route and (ii) a pre-establish route cost desired; and select a final route of the signal wire that minimizes a route cost for the signal wire between the first and second endpoints.