Crosstalk time-delay analysis using random variables

Abstract

Embodiments of a computer system, a method, an integrated circuit and a computer-program product (i.e., software) for use with the computer system are described. These devices and techniques may be used to calculate the total time delay in a signal path due to crosstalk from a group of crosstalk aggressors that are associated with a group of signal paths. In order to properly account for statistical behaviors in the switching times and directions of the switching patterns in the group of signal paths, the time-delay contribution from each of these crosstalk aggressors may be modeled as a corresponding statistical random variable. Because the number of crosstalk aggressors are usually much larger than the number of stages in the signal path, the calculated total path delay may be less pessimistic. Furthermore, in order to detect potential timing violations, the time-delay contributions from additional dominant crosstalk aggressors can be modeled using non-statistical worst-case deterministic values.