Patent ID: 8103982
Filing Date: 2012-01-24
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A computer implemented method for designing an integrated circuit (IC), comprising: using a computer system that comprises at least one processor and is configured for performing at least a process for: identifying an integrated circuit (IC) design for the integrated circuit; identifying a goal for at least a portion of the integrated circuit design, wherein the at least a portion of the integrated circuit design comprises a plurality of circuit components; identifying a first probability information for each of at least some of the plurality of circuit components, the first probability information specifying a relationship between statistical information for the each of the at least some of the plurality of circuit components and a design rule for the at least the portion of the integrated circuit design, wherein the first probability information represents a first probability of success for the each of the at least some of the plurality of circuit components, and the statistical information varies in accordance with the design rule as specified by the relationship; determining a second probability information for the at least the portion of the integrated circuit design by compiling at least the first probability information for the each of the at least some of the plurality of circuit components, wherein the second probability information represents a second probability of success for the at least the portion of the integrated circuit design; and adjusting how the design rule is applied to the at least the portion of the integrated circuit design to meet the goal by using at least the relationship to identify a value or a range of values of a characteristic of a component for an application of the design rule.