ISQED2010 Toward Effective Utilization of Timing Exceptions in Design Optimization

Abstract
Timing exceptions in implementation processes, especially timing verification, help reduce pessimism that arises from unnecessary timing constraints by masking non-functional critical paths.

In this work, we evaluate the impact of timing exceptions on design QOR and TAT, with respect to (1) the forms in which timing exception are declared, (2) the timing criticality of the target paths, (3) the number of applicable exceptions, and (4) the design stages at which timing exceptions are extracted and applied.

Implications of our study give preliminary guidelines for designers and EDA vendors regarding the use of timing exceptions in design optimization processes