An improved partitioning method using clustering refinement [VLSI design]

Partitioning is an important step in the hierarchical design of very large scale integrated circuits. In this research, an improved partitioning based on 2-level hierarchy has been developed. New techniques for clustering and cluster refining have been developed. After clusters are formed, they can be refined by moving cells among the clusters. For partitioning, the hierarchical gradual constraint enforcing partitioning method has been used. The clustering-based partitioning algorithm has been applied to MCNC benchmark examples and produced excellent results.