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Process and apparatus for finding paths through a routing space

  • US 7,814,453 B2
  • Filed: 10/23/2003
  • Issued: 10/12/2010
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/24/2001
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An apparatus comprising computer hardware for use in generating paths for electrically conductive traces within a routing space comprising:

  • means for receiving computer readable information representing a proposed physical layout of a routing space of an electronics system including locations of a first electronic component, a second electronic component, and obstacles within said proposed physical layout;

    means for creating an initial array of nodes within the proposed physical layout;

    means for adjusting within said proposed physical layout said initial array of nodes, said means for adjusting include locating a particular number of nodes between a pair of said obstacles, said particular number corresponding to a maximum number of traces that can pass between said obstacles, each of said nodes positioned between said pair of said obstacles representing a possible location of one of said traces that can pass between said obstacles;

    means for applying forces to ones of said nodes, wherein a magnitude of one of said forces applied to one of said nodes is proportional to a proximity of said one of said nodes to one of said obstacles;

    means for moving within said proposed physical layout each of said ones of said nodes in accordance with said forces applied to said one of said nodes; and

    means for creating a computer generated representation of a trace within said proposed physical layout of said routing space that connects the first electronic component to the second electronic component and passes between said pair of obstacles by selecting a path through said adjusted array of nodes, said trace comprising said path.

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