Method of optimizing locations of pins for blocks in a hierarchical
physical design by using physical design information of a prior
hierarchical physical design is provided and described. In one
embodiment, a method of determining a plurality of locations of pins for
each block of a physical design of a current integrated circuit includes
retrieving physical design information from a prior physical design of a
prior integrated circuit. The physical design information includes a
routing congestion profile. Continuing, a router is provided a plurality
of constraints based on the routing congestion profile. Then, the router
is used to perform a top-level route for generating locations of pins for
each block. Each pin of the block is created at a location where a global
route enters the block or a location where a global route exits the
block.