Extraction error modeling and automated model debugging in high-performance low power custom designs

Test model generation is common in the design cycle of custom made high performance low power designs targeted for high volume production. Logic extraction is a key step in test model generation to produce a logic level netlist from the transistor level representation. This is a semi-automated process which is error prone. The paper analyzes typical extraction errors applicable to clocking schemes seen in high-performance designs today. An automated debugging solution for these errors in designs with no state equivalence information is also presented. A suite of experiments on circuits with similar architectures to those found in the industry confirm the fitness and practicality of the solution.