Patent attributes
A first integrated circuit design with a first maximum operating frequency is modified to achieve a second integrated circuit design with a second maximum operating frequency. The integrated circuit design comprises an arrangement of cells. Each of these cells drives a signal that propagates through a net of other circuit elements to one or more nodes that are limited by respective signal timing constraints. An analytical cost function is assigned to each of the cells. Each analytical cost function comprises a value for its respective cell that is based on one or more speed-related factors indicative of the impact of the respective cell on the first maximum operating frequency of the first integrated circuit design. One or more of the cells are replaced with different cells based on the determined analytical cost functions.
