Cadence Design Systems, Inc.

Harish Kriplani

Cho Moon

Shiang-Tang Huang

Krishna Prasad Belkhale

Arnold Ginetti

Mark Steven Hahn

Naser Awad

A method and an apparatus to perform statistical static timing analysis have been disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes performing statistical analysis on performance data of a circuit from a plurality of libraries at two or more process corners using a static timing analysis module, and estimating performance of the circuit at a predetermined confidence level based on results of the statistical analysis during an automated design flow of the circuit without using libraries at the predetermined confidence level.

Methods and apparatus for performing statistical static timing analysis

Method and an apparatus to perform statistical static timing analysis

Systems, methods, and apparatus to perform statistical static timing analysis

A method and an apparatus to perform static timing analysis and optimization for multi-mode clock circuit networks have been disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes determining a plurality of sensitization conditions associated with one or more clock signals in a circuit network operable in a plurality of modes and automatically eliminating false paths from a plurality of clock paths of the circuit network based on the plurality of sensitization conditions. Other embodiments have been claimed and described.

Systems, methods, and apparatus to perform static timing analysis and optimization for multi-mode clock circuit networks

Disclosed is a method and system for handling timing constraints or assertions for timing model extraction. One disclosed approach for assertion handling is by automatically preserving the integrity of original assertions by retaining existing pins or creating new internal pins. The assertions are viewed as part of the model, and a set of new assertions are generated automatically as part of the timing model extraction process and can be stored as part of the model. Assertions can be associated with input ports, output ports, internal pins, or hierarchical pins and can even span multiple blocks. This disclosed approach allows for application of assertions associated with timing models when the model is instantiated and detachment of assertions when the model is de-instantiated, and thus removes one of main problems associated with timing models.

Assertion handling for timing model extraction

Disclosed is a method and system for extracting a timing model. One disclosed approach to extract a timing model is by reducing the timing graph. Original timing behavior is preserved in the timing model including arrival times, slew times, timing violations and even latch time borrowing that is independent of clock waveforms. Also, original timing constraints can be captured in the model and be applied automatically when the model is used. Anchor points are automatically identified and retained to obtain a model that is smaller than the original netlist.

Timing model extraction by timing graph reduction

A method for timing verification of very large scale integrated circuits reduces required CPU speed and memory usage. The method involves steps including partitioning the circuit into a plurality of blocks and then partitioning the verification between shell path components and core path components. Timing verification is then conducted for only shell path components while core path components are abstracted or ignored. Finally, timing verification for core path components in each block completes the process for the entire design.

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Saratoga, CA, United States of America

Harish Kriplani