A novel technique integrating buffer insertion into timing driven placement*

Increasing buffer number for future technology makes traditional one-pass-flow (timing driven placement is followed by buffer insertion and legalization) failed, since accommodation for buffers significantly disturbs original design, This paper exploits the delicate relationship between buffer insertion and timing driven placement, and proposes a novel method to incorporate buffer insertion during timing driven placement. Experimental results show that this incorporation not only ensures design convergence, but also benefits timing behavior and alleviates buffer explosion.