A CAD framework for simulation and optimization of high-speed VLSI interconnections

A CAD framework addressing three specific aspects of the high-speed interconnect problem, namely, simulation, sensitivity analysis, and performance optimization, is described. Distributed interconnect models represented by uniform or nonuniform lossy coupled transmission lines are supported. The CAD framework incorporates parallel processing capabilities. It also provides a design environment for integrating accurate simulations or waveform estimation, sensitivity analysis, design specifications, and numerical optimization. Approaches enhancing the accuracy and ensuring the stability of moment-matching techniques used in the asymptotic waveform evaluation (AWE) are introduced. Also described are a parallel implementation of numerical inversion of the Laplace transform (NILT) and parallel interconnect optimization, resulting in substantial CPU speedup over existing NILT simulation and optimization