Analog layout synthesis: recent advances in topological approaches

Abstract

This paper gives an overview of some recent advances in topological approaches to analog layout synthesis and in layout-aware analog sizing. The core issue in these approaches is the modeling of layout constraints for an efficient exploration process. This includes fast checking of constraint compliance, reducing the search space, and quickly relating topological encodings to placements. Sequence-pairs, B*-trees, circuit hierarchy and layout templates are described as advantageous means to tackle these tasks.