Hierarchically-aware buffering for clock structures

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure include system, methods, and software for buffer insertions. In one example, a method includes receiving a clock signal network layout, the clock signal network layout comprising a clock source electrically coupled to a plurality of clock sinks via a plurality of net segments, a first hierarchy that bounds a first region of the clock signal network layout, and a second hierarchy that bounds a second region of the clock signal network layout. The method additionally includes creating a graph representative of the clock signal network layout, the graph comprising a plurality of logical edges, and identifying a to-be-inserted buffer location comprising a location on a net segment of the plurality of net segments to insert a buffer. The method further includes selecting a selected logical edge to insert the buffer based on the to-be-inserted buffer location, the first hierarchy, the second hierarchy, or a combination thereof.