A faster algorithm for rubber-band equivalent transformation for planar VLSI layouts

In this paper we consider the problem of transforming a single-layer topological routing of n two-terminal nets into a rubber-band equivalent using rectilinear wires in the presence of rectilinear circuit modules. Given a topological planar VLSI layout sketch with |F| features and |W| noncrossing wire segments connecting n two-terminal nets, we present an O(|F|/spl middot/|W|) time algorithm to do the vertex-disjoint rubber-band equivalent transformation of these n nets if it exists. The algorithm consists of two phases, computing a loose homotopy with four spokes matrices, and computing a vertex-disjoint rubber-band equivalent of the given homotopy, each phase taking O(|F|/spl middot/|W|) time and space. Both complexities are asymptotically optimal in the worst case. From the vertex-disjoint rubber-band equivalent of the given homotopy, one can obtain the detailed routing within the same time complexity. Experimental results are also presented.