Techniques for graphical analysis and manipulation of circuit timing requirements

Abstract

Techniques for organizing and displaying timing data derived from an EDA tool are provided that allows users to easily extract, analyze, and manipulate portions of the timing data relevant to particular user requirements. Relevant portions of signal waveforms are displayed on an interactive graphical user interface (GUI). Time points on the waveforms are marked with pointers so that users can easily visualize the relationships between different signals. A user can also extract relevant timing data from the EDA tool by manipulating the GUI. Manipulating and understanding circuit design requirements affects all of the design cycle and the quality of the final result from an EDA tool. A user can visualize all aspects of timing analysis on the GUI, such as clock skew, and the setup/hold relationship. A data entry approach is provided that can be used for natural and intuitive manipulation of various timing relationships.