Graph Algorithms

Abstract

This chapter summarizes the results from graph theory that will be used in this book. Graphs are one of the fundamental structures treated in discrete mathematics. We begin with an extensive set of classical definitions from graph theory (Section 3.1). Then we review general algorithmic techniques for exploring graphs so as to impose structures on them (Sections 3.2 to 3.7). Subsequently, we discuss important graph problems that are used in many areas of circuit layout. In Sections 3.8 to 3.10, we consider problems of finding paths and more general connection subnetworks in graphs. Such problems occur naturally in wire routing. Path problems are also the basis of many optimization procedures, such as compaction and area minimization in floorplanning. In Sections 3.11 and 3.12, we discuss network flow and matching problems that are of special importance in circuit partitioning and detailed routing, but that also find applications in other aspects of circuit layout. In Section 3.13, we include newer material on processing hierarchically defined graphs. This material gains its significance through being the formal reflection of hierarchical circuit design (see Section 1.2.2.1). Finally, we summarize results on planar graphs (Section 3.14).