Multimedia Gallery - Algorithms help optimize the placement of parts on an integrated circuit--a way to continue scaling.

structured placement used to wring out optimizations in chip layout

August 13, 2014

Algorithms help optimize the placement of parts on an integrated circuit--a way to continue scaling.

Advanced techniques such as "structured placement," shown here and developed by Markov's group, are currently being used to wring out optimizations in chip layout. Different circuit modules on an integrated circuit are shown in different colors. Algorithms for placement optimize both the locations and the shapes of modules; some nearby modules can be blended when this reduces the length of the connecting wires.

Credit: Jin Hu, Myung-Chul Kim, Igor L. Markov; University of Michigan

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