A timing-driven layout method is provided, which realizes timing error
convergence toward zero without any timing constraint file. (a) An initial
layout result is generated through placement of functional blocks of the
circuit and routing of wiring lines therefor. (b) Wiring capacitance
values of the respective blocks are calculated using the initial layout
result. (c) Fan-out capacitance limitation values of the respective blocks
are calculated using the wiring capacitance values of the blocks. Each of
the fan-out capacitance limitation values represents a maximum fan-out
capacitance value of a corresponding one of the blocks at which
wiring-induced propagation delay of the block is equal to or less than a
specific limitation value. (d) A driving capability of each of the blocks
is compared with its fan-out capacitance limitation value, thereby
generating a comparison result. (e) The blocks whose driving capabilities
do not exceed their fan-out capacitance limitation values are defined as
timing-error blocks based on the comparison result. (f) Circuit
configuration of each of the timing-error blocks is changed based on its
fan-out capacitance limitation value to decrease its propagation delay.