Patent ID: 7653885
Filing Date: 2010-01-26
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method to select circuit cells for use in optimization of an integrated circuit design from among a plurality of circuit cells within a circuit cell library, the method comprising: obtaining from the circuit cell library a power dissipation value for each cell of the plurality of circuit cells that is indicative of the circuit cell's power dissipation; obtaining from the circuit cell library a switching rate value for each cell of the plurality of circuit cells that is indicative of a rate at which the circuit cell's output changes during switching; computing a value that is indicative of circuit cell threshold voltage (Vt) for each cell of the plurality of circuit cells, based upon a formulation includes, the power dissipation value obtained for the circuit cell and the switching rate value obtained for the circuit cell; ordering, using a computer system, the circuit cells of the plurality of circuit cells based upon the values; identifying, using the computer system, a difference between values of circuit cells that are proximate each other within the ordering of the circuit cells that meets a prescribed threshold; and designating, using the computer system, a cut point location within the ordering of the cells based upon the identified difference.