A method of integrating repeaters into an integrated circuit design model
includes specifying a geometry of a plurality of separate cell blocks.
These cell blocks are locations on a chip die supporting appropriate
functional capabilities, such as arithmetic and logic functions, decoders,
input/output, etc. A list identifying top level nets connecting the cell
blocks is then generated and locations along these top level nets
exceeding a maximum signal transmission criteria (e.g., RC interconnect
constraints) are identified. Repeater constraint regions are defined apart
from the cell blocks and include one or more of the locations identified.
A list is then generated of top level nets to be repeated at respective
repeater constraint regions. An HDL representation is generated of
repeater blocks for placement within each of the repeater constraint
regions. Wiring directives may then be automatically generated connecting
the HDL representation of repeater blocks into the integrated circuit
design model. The HDL representation is compatible with multiple levels of
abstraction representing the integrated circuit design model including a
presynthesis model of an integrated circuit written, for example, in RTL.
The HDL representation may further be compatible with a behavioral model
of the integrated circuit design model. Each of the repeater constraint
regions is sized and located to facilitate integrating repeaters into the
pre-placement design. The size and location of the repeater constraint
regions may further provide that the maximum signal transmission criteria
(e.g., RC interconnect constraints) are satisfied independent of a
functional cell placement within each of the cell blocks such that
driving, receiving, and repeater cells can all be placed anywhere within
respective constraint regions without violation of the maximum signal
transmission criteria.