Patent ID: 7631283

Claim:
A machine-implemented method of defining a power grid structure for use in an integrated circuit, wherein the power grid structure is comprised of a plurality of power grid structure components including a plurality of stripes, a plurality of rails, and a plurality of vias, and the integrated circuit contains electronic and circuit components, the method comprising: receiving dimensions and locations for the plurality of power grid structure components, wherein the dimensions and locations define locations for a particular number of vias and define a particular pattern of vias in the power grid structure; laying down the plurality of power grid structure components according to the dimensions and locations to produce the power grid structure; performing global signal routing to define routes for signal wiring that interconnect the electronic and circuit components of the integrated circuit; testing whether the global signal routing is successful; and reducing the number of vias in the power grid structure upon determining that the global signal routing is not successful, wherein said reducing is performed by a machine.