Quick placement with geometric constraints

Abstract

In this paper an original constraint-driven placement tool targeted at full-custom mixed-signal design is described. One of its main objectives is to quickly obtain feasible layout configurations, and explore efficiently the effect of different sets of constraints in an interactive environment. By using direct-approach algorithms, all feasible constraints are met by construction. Overconstraints are detected, and quick feedback is given to the user about infeasible requirements. Good results have been obtained on a significant set of industrial-strength test cases.