Previously,a single data-path stack was adequate for data-path chips,and the complexity and size of the data-path was comparatively small.As current data-path chips,such as system-on-a-chip (SOC),become more complex,multiple data-path stacks are required to implement the entire data-path.As more data-path stacks are integrated into SOC,data-path is becoming a critical part of the whole giga-scale integrated circuits (GSI) design.The traditional physical design methodology can not satisfy the data-path performance requirements,because it can not accommodate the data-path bit-sliced structure and the strict performance (such as timing,coupling,and crosstalk) constraints.Challenges in the data-path physical design are addressed.The fundamental problems and key technologies in data-path physical design are analysed.The corresponding researches and solutions in this research field are also discussed.
