Patent ID: 6075932
Filing Date: 2000-06-13
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A computer implemented method for modifying a netlist based on a power estimation, said netlist comprised of information stored in a computer memory that includes a cell, said method comprising the steps of:receiving an output capacitance load value that is loaded on said cell, said cell representing a physical integrated circuit;receiving a weighted average input transition time for input signals to said cell;based on an array stored in computer readable memory, said output capacitance load value and said weighted average input transition time determining an amount of energy dissipated by said integrated circuit in response to said weighted average input transition time and as loaded by said output capacitance load value; andmodifying said netlist design in response to said amount of energy dissipated by said physical integrated circuit,wherein said array of said computer readable memory unit contains a data structure which includes elements for storing reference energy values, said reference energy values modeling energy dissipation of said physical integrated circuit, each reference energy value representing physical energy dissipated by said physical integrated circuit for a given output capacitance loaded on said physical integrated circuit and a given weighted average input transition time corresponding to input signals to said physical integrated circuit.