Hierarchical routing method and apparatus that use diagonal routes

摘要

Some embodiments provide a hierarchical routing method that uses diagonal routes. This method routes a net within a particular region of an integrated circuit ("IC") layout. This net includes several pins in the region. The method initially partitions the particular IC region into a first set of sub-regions. It then identifies a first route that connects a group of first-set sub-regions that contain the net's pins. The identified first route has an edge that is at least partially diagonal. The method next partitions the first-set sub-regions into a second set of smaller sub-regions. It then propagates the first route into the second-set sub-regions.