Hierarchical clock tree construction based on constraints

Abstract

A method of automatically constructing a hierarchical clock tree for an integrated circuit may include constructing a global clock tree on a first level based on first-level constraints, pushing the global clock tree to partitions on a second level, and generating second-level constraints for the partitions on the second level. The second-level constraints may be included in configuration files that may be generated for the partitions on the second level. The first-level constraints may be included in a first-level configuration file that is user-modifiable. The second-level constraints may include information for replicating multiple instantiated partitions on the second level. The method may further include modifying terminal names and/or configurations after pushdown. The method may further include creating infrastructure to analyze timing of the global clock tree.