LSI design flow and EDA

In static timing analysis, what is the technique called that recalculates violating paths in detail based on how signals actually propagate, removing excess pessimism from ordinary analysis?

  1. ADRC
  2. BPath-based analysis (PBA)
  3. CGraph-based analysis (GBA) only
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Answer: B. Path-based analysis (PBA)

Ordinary graph-based analysis (GBA) uses the worst transition time at each node, which can yield pessimistic results that cannot actually occur. Path-based analysis recalculates using the actual transition times along specific paths, giving more accurate delays and reducing unnecessary fixes, at the cost of more computation.

  • A. DRC checks geometric rules in the layout.
  • B. Correct. It recalculates each path in detail.
  • C. GBA is fast but tends to be pessimistic.
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More LSI design flow and EDA questions

  1. In analog circuit design, which technique repeatedly simulates with randomly applied transistor variations from manufacturing to estimate performance distributions and yield?
  2. Which logic simulation method computes only the parts affected when a signal value changes (an event)?
  3. Which is the correct order of a typical digital LSI design flow?
  4. Which correctly describes logic synthesis?
  5. Which correctly describes static timing analysis (STA)?