An efficient transistor optimizer for custom circuits

We present an equation-based transistor size optimizer that minimizes delay of custom circuits. Our method uses static timing analysis to find the critical paths and numerical methods to optimize transistor sizes continuously without using simulation. Consequently, it is faster than simulation-based optimizers, and more general than standard cell optimizers. We demonstrate its efficacy and accuracy on a dynamic adder, where we achieve a 54% speed-up and final critical path delay that matches Spice within 1%.

• Type: Conference
• Year: 2003
• Where: ISCAS
• Authors: Xiao Yan Yu, Vojin G. Oklobdzija, William W. Walker
• Keywords: Critical Path, Equation-based Transistor Size, ISCAS 2003, Transistor Sizes