An Automated Channel Routing Technique for an IIL Gate Array

Abstract

An automated channel router has been developed for an IIL gate array for which a design and fabrication programme is under way in the Microclectronics Centre, IIT Kharagpur. The present paper describes the implementation of a channnel routing algorithm for the routing of metal interconnects in the IIL gate array. The routing algorithm uses a greedy strategy based on a prediction approach for efficient routing in a horizontal channel where underpasses exist in alternate columns only. Channel routing is carried out using a single layer of metal with the help of this ‘half’ layer of underpasses and is referred to as one-and-a-half layer routing. The channel router, with appropriate modifications to suit the grid structure of the IIL basic cell used here, has been implemented for several IIL gate arrary circuits.

Indexing terms:

• Automated Channel router
• IIL gate array