A Layout Estimation Algorithm for RTL Datapaths

This paper presents a fast and efficient algorithm to estimate the area cost of a given RTL datapath. This is achieved by considering the physical length of components (provided by a component library) and connections data (given by the datapath description) within an actual layout model and using analytical formulas in a constructive algorithm. Our layout estimator uses a non-probabilistic basis to estimate the overall cost of a datapath structure. It can estimate the overall layout with emphasis on area minimization, or can be adapted to delay minimization depending on the user request. Layout area is estimated for Standard-Cell and Full-custom layout methodologies at the RT level.