Cohoon This research takes an integrated look across the physical design activities of partitioning, floorplanning and routing. The work has two components, routing and partitioning. In routing, algorithms for generalized multi-layer and multi-net routing are being explored. These algorithms are designed to route on any number of layers, work on a rectilinear, gridless surface with obstacles, account for technology constraints, and permit horizontal, vertical and 45 degree wiring on a layer. In partitioning, a powerful geometric partitioning technique called SHARP is being used to develop algorithms (including parallel ones) which bridge between various physical design activities, such as floor-planning, Steiner routing, and identification of critical nets. Algorithms are being integrated into a tool for overall design, and a visualization tool is being developed.
