An Interconnection Length Estimation for Multi-point Nets

The increasing system complexity imposes high demands on computer aided design (CAD) tools for system synthesis. Especially the layout (placement and routing) of a design has become a problem hard to solve. To find a ‘good’ layout, CAD tools need accurate estimators to predict area requirements, interconnection lengths, power dissipation, etc. In this paper we address the estimation of interconnection lengths. Previous work on interconnection length estimations is primarily based on a technique introduced by Donath [1] which has been improved by Stroobandt et al [2]. However, no previous work on estimating design properties (e.g. interconnection lengths) takes multi-point nets into account. All nets are assumed to be 2-point nets. In this paper, we will estimate the average interconnection length for multi-point nets. This estimation is based on our recent research on the behaviour of multi-point nets during the partitioning process and on the distribution of nets over their net degree [3].