Layout quality analyzer

Abstract

In one embodiment, a computer readable medium comprises at least first instructions and second instructions. The first instructions, when executed, compute a first plurality of routes. Each route of the first plurality of routes corresponds to a respective net of a plurality of nets in an integrated circuit layout, and represents a theoretically optimal route of the respective net according to a graph theory based algorithm. The second instructions, when executed, compare each of the first plurality of routes to a corresponding route of a current plurality of routes, each of the current plurality of routes corresponding to the respective net of the plurality of nets and currently existing in the integrated circuit layout. A method is also contemplated.

1 . A method comprising: 
 computing a first plurality of routes, each route of the first plurality of routes corresponding to a respective net of a plurality of nets in an integrated circuit layout, and each route representing a theoretically optimal route of the respective net according to a graph theory based algorithm; and    comparing each of the first plurality of routes to a corresponding route of a current plurality of routes, each of the current plurality of routes corresponding to the respective net of the plurality of nets and currently existing in the integrated circuit layout.    
   
   
       2 . The method as recited in  claim 1  wherein the comparing comprises computing a metric for each net of the plurality of nets, the metric for a first net of the plurality of nets representing a difference between a first route of the first plurality of routes and a second route of the current plurality of routes, wherein the first route and the second route correspond to the first net.  
   
   
       3 . The method as recited in  claim 2  wherein the comparing further comprises: 
 computing an attribute of the first route as an input to computing the metric; and    computing the attribute of the second route as an input to computing the metric.    
   
   
       4 . The method as recited in  claim 3  wherein the metric comprises a ratio of the attribute of the second route to the attribute of the first route.  
   
   
       5 . The method as recited in  claim 3  wherein the metric comprises a percentage difference of the attribute of the second route from the attribute of the first route.  
   
   
       6 . The method as recited in  claim 3  wherein the metric comprises a difference of the attribute of the first route from the attribute of the second route.  
   
   
       7 - 34 . (canceled)