Overview of continuous optimization advances and applications to circuit tuning

Abstract

This paper surveys the state-of-the-art in continuous nonlinear optimization and makes the case that due to tremendous recent progress, larger and more complex problems can be solved than previously thought possible. The two basic paradigms, trust-region and line-search methods, are briefly described. In addition, various nonlinear optimization techniques are reviewed. The application of these nonlinear optimization methods to circuit sizing is presented by describing a pair of circuit sizing tools, one for dynamic tuning and one for tuning based on static timing analysis. Particular emphasis has been given to the customization of nonlinear optimization to the circuit sizing application.