Algorithms and Techniques for VLSI Layout Synthesis

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xv

   PDF

2. Introduction

   • Dwight Hill, Don Shugard, John Fishburn, Kurt Keutzer

   Pages 1-3

3. The IMAGES Language

   • Dwight Hill, Don Shugard, John Fishburn, Kurt Keutzer

   Pages 5-36

4. Designer Interaction

   • Dwight Hill, Don Shugard, John Fishburn, Kurt Keutzer

   Pages 37-64

5. Geometric Algorithms

   • Dwight Hill, Don Shugard, John Fishburn, Kurt Keutzer

   Pages 65-104

6. Enhancements to the IMAGES Language for Synthesis

   • Dwight Hill, Don Shugard, John Fishburn, Kurt Keutzer

   Pages 105-128

7. Automatic Layout of Switch-Level Designs

   • Dwight Hill, Don Shugard, John Fishburn, Kurt Keutzer

   Pages 129-151

8. Switch-Level Tools

   • Dwight Hill, Don Shugard, John Fishburn, Kurt Keutzer

   Pages 153-179

9. Summary and Trends

   • Dwight Hill, Don Shugard, John Fishburn, Kurt Keutzer

   Pages 181-187

10. Back Matter

    Pages 189-212

    PDF

This book describes a system of VLSI layout tools called IDA which stands for "Integrated Design Aides. " It is not a main-line production CAD environment, but neither is it a paper tool. Rather, IDA is an experimental environment that serves to test out CAD ideas in the crucible of real chip design. Many features have been tried in IDA over the years, some successfully, some not. This book will emphasize the former, and attempt to describe the features that have been useful and effective in building real chips. Before discussing the present state of IDA, it may be helpful to understand how the project got started. Although Bell Labs has traditionally had a large and effective effort in VLSI and CAD, researchers at the Murray Hill facility wanted to study the process of VLSI design independently, emphasizing the idea of small team chip building. So, in 1979 they invited Carver Mead to present his views on MOS chip design, complete with the now famous "lambda" design rules and "tall, thin designers. " To support this course, Steve Johnson (better known for YACC and the portable C compiler) and Sally Browning invented the constraint­ based "i" language and wrote a compiler for it. A small collection of layout tools developed rapidly around this compiler, including design rule checkers, editors and simulators.

• Generator
• Resolution
• VLSI
• algorithms
• integrated circuit
• logic
• simulation
• transistor

• AT&T Bell Laboratories, Australia

  Dwight Hill, Don Shugard, John Fishburn, Kurt Keutzer

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