A fast algorithm for minimizing the Elmore delay to identified critical sinks

A routing algorithm that generates a Steiner route for a set of sinks with near optimal Elmore delay to the critical sink is presented. The algorithm outperforms the best existing alternative for Elmore-delay-based critical sink routing. With no critical sinks present, the algorithm produces routes comparable to the best previously existing Steiner router. Since performance-oriented layout generators employ iterative techniques that require a large number of calls to the routing algorithm for layout evaluation, a fast algorithm for routing is desirable. The algorithm presented here has a fast (O(n/sup 2/), where n is the number of points) and practical implementation using simple data structures and techniques.