Patent ID: 6202196
Filing Date: 2001-03-13
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A method for optimizing routing mesh segment widths within limits imposed by voltage drop and metal migration requirements, beginning with an initial mesh comprising a plurality of horizontal segments forming rows and a plurality of vertical segments forming columns, said method comprising the steps of:finding a first width for each segment of the routing mesh so that the routing mesh has a maximum voltage drop that satisfies a voltage drop requirement;finding a second width for each segment of the routing mesh by determining a width for said each segment such that a metal migration requirement is satisfied;ensuring that each segment which is disposed within a row is not wider than a width calculated by multiplying a first scaling factor with a width of its neighboring segments in said row, and each segment which is disposed within a column is not wider than a width calculated by multiplying the first scaling factor with a width of its neighboring segments in said column;selecting the larger of the first width and second width for each segment;determining a voltage drop and a current density associated with each segment;determining whether the voltage drop and the metal migration requirements are violated; andrepeating the above steps until the voltage drop and the metal migration requirements are satisfied.