A Full Over-the-Cell routing model

Abstract

This paper describes a Full Over-the-Cell routing model to perform circuit connections over the transistors by using "transparent cells". The methodology provides flexibility and the resulting layout style presents interesting performance/cost ratios if compared to those produced by Standard Cell and traditional Over-the-Cell routing models. A symbolic environment is shown, where it is possible to make the routing over real cell layouts, based on a restriction matrix. Some special routing techniques are mentioned and practical results are shown.