Element Assignment Algorithm for IDS-X.
16 January 1987
This memorandum documents the new Element Assignment Algorithm that is planned for inclusion in SysCAD/UNICAD-IDSX. The Element Assignment Problem is one of optimally assigning functionalities from the logic design to elements (gates, flip-flops) on devices to facilitate component placement and routing. Using the "STRENGTHS Triangle," we define a metric that captures the wire length that will likely result in routing; our algorithm optimizes assignments to minimize this measure. A prototype has been implemented in IDS-X and on initial tests yielded an 18 percent reduction in this metric. More comprehensive testing is underway and will be reported in a forthcoming memorandum. The Element Assignment Algorithm is planned for release in Release 3.1 of IDS-X.