FOLM-planner: A new floorplanner with a frame overlapping floorplan model suitable for SOG (sea-of-gates) type gate arrays

Abstract

A floorplanner, FOLM-planner, suitable for SOG gate arrays is presented. FOLM-planner is based on a 'frame overlapping floorplan model, which is free from unnecessary constraints caused by conventional floorplan models, and is easy to use for satisfying timing constraints. FOLM-planner aims at minimizing the net length among frames and controlling frame overlaps for efficient usage of a chip area. To accomplish these objectives, FOLM-planner uses a newly developed force directed method for frame reshaping as well as moving. Experimental results have shown that FOLM layout can shorten the net length inside a frame without the total net length becoming longer.<>