Progress and Challenges in VLSI Placement Research

Given the significance of placement in integrated circuit (IC) physical design, extensive research studies performed over the last 50 years addressed numerous aspects of global and detailed placement. The objectives and the constraints dominant in placement have been revised many times over, and continue to evolve. Additionally, the increasing scale of placement instances affects the algorithms of choice for high-performance tools. We survey the history of placement research, the progress leading up to the state of the art, and outstanding challenges.