13,729 research outputs found
A knowledge-based approach to VLSI-design in an open CAD-environment
A knowledge-based approach is suggested to assist a designer in the increasingly complex task of generating VLSI-chips from abstract, high-level specifications of the system. The complexity of designing VLSI-circuits has reached a level where computer-based assistance has become indispensable. Not all of the design tasks allow for algorithmic solutions. AI technique can be used, in order to support the designer with computer-aided tools for tasks not suited for algorithmic approaches. The approach described in this paper is based upon the underlying characteristics of VLSI design processes in general, comprising all stages of the design. A universal model is presented, accompanied with a recording method for the acquisition of design knowledge - strategic and task-specific - in terms of the design actions involved and their effects on the design itself. This method is illustrated by a simple design example: the implementation of the logical EXOR-component. Finally suggestions are made for obtaining a universally usable architecture of a knowledge-based system for VLSI-design
The Rolf of Test Chips in Coordinating Logic and Circuit Design and Layout Aids for VLSI
This paper emphasizes the need for multipurpose test chips and comprehensive procedures for use in supplying accurate input data to both logic and circuit simulators and chip layout aids. It is shown that the location of test structures within test chips is critical in obtaining representative data, because geometrical distortions introduced during the photomasking process can lead to
significant intrachip parameter variations. In order to transfer test chip designs quickly, accurately, and economically, a commonly accepted portable chip layout notation and commonly accepted parametric tester language are needed. In order to measure test chips more accurately and more rapidly, parametric testers with improved architecture need to be developed in conjunction with
innovative test structures with on-chip signal conditioning
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Silicon compilation
Silicon compilation is a term used for many different purposes. In this paper we define silicon compilation as a mapping from some higher level description into layout. We define the basic issues in structural and behavioral silicon compilation and some possible solutions to those issues. Finally, we define the concept of an intelligent silicon compiler in which the compiler evaluates the quality of the generated design and attempts to improve it if it is not satisfactory
Accurate a priori signal integrity estimation using a multilevel dynamic interconnect model for deep submicron VLSI design.
A multilevel dynamic interconnect model was derived for accurate a priori signal integrity estimates. Cross-talk and delay estimations over interconnects in deep submicron technology were analyzed systematically using this model. Good accuracy and excellent time-efficiency were found compared with electromagnetic simulations. We aim to build a dynamic interconnect library with this model to facilitate the interconnect issues for future VLSI design
Electrically reconfigurable logic array
To compose the complicated systems using algorithmically specialized logic circuits or processors, one solution is to perform relational computations such as union, division and intersection directly on hardware. These relations can be pipelined efficiently on a network of processors having an array configuration. These processors can be designed and implemented with a few simple cells. In order to determine the state-of-the-art in Electrically Reconfigurable Logic Array (ERLA), a survey of the available programmable logic array (PLA) and the logic circuit elements used in such arrays was conducted. Based on this survey some recommendations are made for ERLA devices
Memory and information processing in neuromorphic systems
A striking difference between brain-inspired neuromorphic processors and
current von Neumann processors architectures is the way in which memory and
processing is organized. As Information and Communication Technologies continue
to address the need for increased computational power through the increase of
cores within a digital processor, neuromorphic engineers and scientists can
complement this need by building processor architectures where memory is
distributed with the processing. In this paper we present a survey of
brain-inspired processor architectures that support models of cortical networks
and deep neural networks. These architectures range from serial clocked
implementations of multi-neuron systems to massively parallel asynchronous ones
and from purely digital systems to mixed analog/digital systems which implement
more biological-like models of neurons and synapses together with a suite of
adaptation and learning mechanisms analogous to the ones found in biological
nervous systems. We describe the advantages of the different approaches being
pursued and present the challenges that need to be addressed for building
artificial neural processing systems that can display the richness of behaviors
seen in biological systems.Comment: Submitted to Proceedings of IEEE, review of recently proposed
neuromorphic computing platforms and system
Photonics design tool for advanced CMOS nodes
Recently, the authors have demonstrated large-scale integrated systems with
several million transistors and hundreds of photonic elements. Yielding such
large-scale integrated systems requires a design-for-manufacture rigour that is
embodied in the 10 000 to 50 000 design rules that these designs must comply
within advanced complementary metal-oxide semiconductor manufacturing. Here,
the authors present a photonic design automation tool which allows automatic
generation of layouts without design-rule violations. This tool is written in
SKILL, the native language of the mainstream electric design automation
software, Cadence. This allows seamless integration of photonic and electronic
design in a single environment. The tool leverages intuitive photonic layer
definitions, allowing the designer to focus on the physical properties rather
than on technology-dependent details. For the first time the authors present an
algorithm for removal of design-rule violations from photonic layouts based on
Manhattan discretisation, Boolean and sizing operations. This algorithm is not
limited to the implementation in SKILL, and can in principle be implemented in
any scripting language. Connectivity is achieved with software-defined
waveguide ports and low-level procedures that enable auto-routing of waveguide
connections.Comment: 5 pages, 10 figure
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