Post-Layout Logic Restructuring for Performance Optimization

We propose a new methodology based on incremental logic restructuring for post-layout performance improvement. The new post-layout logic restructuring technique allows to use accurate interconnection delays for performance optimization, while the incremental nature of the technique guarantees convergence between logic synthesis and layout. The technique can be further integrated with other post-layout optimization techniques such as gate sizing and buffer insertion. Experimental results show that this technique combined with post-layout buffer insertion can achieve an additional 15% improvement in performance compared to designs produced by timing-driven logic optimization followed by pre-layout buffer insertion followed by timing-driven physical design. 1. Introduction Performance-driven logic synthesis followed by performance -driven layout [1] has become a necessity for designing high performance circuits. However, this loosely coupled two-phase timing optimization methodology has..