A method for performing static timing analysis on digital electronic
circuits is disclosed. A snip (or DC adjust) file is initially generated.
Static timing analysis is then performed on the final circuit netlist
using the snip file. If the final circuit netlist meets all the timing
constraints, the snip file is converted to a group of cutpoints, and
formal verification is performed on the cutpoints. A determination is
made as to whether or not the cutpoints pass formal verification. If the
cutpoints pass formal verification, the user analysis on the final
circuit netlist is completed, and the final circuit netlist can proceed
to manufacturing. Otherwise, if the cutpoints do not pass formal
verification, a flag is issued to alert a user. The user then has to
either modify certain snip point(s) within the snip file or modify the
circuit netlist, and perform the user analysis again.