Patent ID: 8365134
Filing Date: 2013-01-29
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A circuit design assisting apparatus for assisting a layout tool in designing an integrated circuit including a circuit module having at least two cells that achieve a prescribed function, said circuit design assisting apparatus comprising: a cell connection information acquiring device configured to acquire cell connection information, said cell connection information specifying connection counterparts to the at least two cells and used when automatic layout of the integrated circuit is executed by the layout tool; a terminal designating device configured to designate at least one terminal of the circuit module; a terminal connection information generation device configured to generate terminal connection information based on the cell connection information, said terminal connection information specifying connecting counterparts to the at least one designated terminal; a requirement acquiring device configured to acquire a requirement to be met by a signal either inputted to or outputted from the at least one designated terminal; and a buffer circuit determining device configured to determine if a buffer circuit is to be additionally connected between the at least one designated terminal and at least one of the connection counterparts and if a buffer circuit already connected to the at least one designated terminal is to be replaced by a different buffer circuit in accordance with the terminal connection information and the requirement.