Statistical Static Timing Analysis - Criticism of SSTA

Criticism of SSTA

A number of criticisms have been leveled at SSTA:

  • It's too complex, especially with realistic (non-gaussian) distributions.
  • It's hard to couple to an optimization flow or algorithm.
  • It's hard to get the data the algorithm needs. Even if you can get this data, it is likely to be time-varying and hence unreliable.
  • If used seriously by the customers of a fab, it restricts the changes the fab might make, if they change that statistical properties of the process.
  • The benefit is relatively small, compared to an enhanced deterministic STA that also takes into account sensitivities and correlation.

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