Scan path timing optimizing apparatus determining connection order of scan path circuits to realize optimum signal timings

Abstract

An intra-area connection order determining unit determines at random orders of connection of scan path circuits in each area divided by an placement area dividing unit. An inter-area connection order determining unit determines orders of connection of the scan path circuits between the areas such that length of interconnection between the areas divided by the placement area dividing unit becomes short. Accordingly, length of interconnection between the scan paths can be locally made short, reducing congestion of interconnections and generation of hold time errors.