One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that considers
inductive effects while analyzing noise and propagation delay effect in a
circuit layout. The system operates by first receiving the circuit layout,
wherein the circuit layout specifies a plurality of nets that carry
signals between circuit elements. Next, the system converts a given net
into a single signal path, which is divided into a number of segments. The
system then calculates inductance, capacitance, and resistance values for
each segment. Next, the system uses these inductance, capacitance, and
resistance values to produce a model for each segment. The system then
couples together models for each segment into a model for the given net.
The system uses the model for the given net to determine a noise and
propagation delay effect through the given net.
