The integration of an advanced gate array router into a fully automated design system

ABSTRACT

This paper describes the incorporation of an advanced software product into the framework of an existing automated design system. A discussion of the merits and challenges of this undertaking is included. The merits of the MERLYN-G gate array router will be covered in detail, along with the algorithms which contribute to making it a powerful semicustom tool. The RCA design system and its individual software parts will be briefly described to give the reader a better understanding of the advantages of this system. This description will underscore the reasons for taking the necessary steps to assure a successful integration of the entire system. Other topics discussed include CAD databases, IC layout, and software engineering techniques in design automation.

REFERENCES

• 1: Gendel, G., Ashkinazy, A., Chen, S., Hively, J., MastroiannL, J., Miller, H.S., Rosenberg, L.M., Tsao, D. and Turner, M. "A Quick Tu:cnaround Semicustom Design System". Proceedings 1983 Custom Integrated Circuits Conference, May, 1983, pp. 423-427.
• 2: Ashkinazy, A. "The MIMIC Logic Simulator". Proceedinl~s 1983 Custom Integrated Circuits Conference, Hay, 1983, pp. 359-361.
• 3: Mastroianni, J.D. "A Verification System for Cell Based Design Styles". Proceedings International Conference on Computer Aided Design, September, 1983. Blanks, John P., "Initial Placement of
• 4: John P. Blanks, Initial placement of gate arrays using least-squares methods, Proceedings of the 21st conference on Design automation, p.670-671, June 25-27, 1984, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
• 5: Lee, C. Y., "An Al~orithm for Path Connections and Its Applications". IRE Transcripts on Electronic Computing, Vol. EC-10, pp. 346-365.
• 6: Moore, E.F., "Shortest Path Through a Haze". Bell Syst Hono., No. 3523.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.2 COMPUTER-COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
      C.2.6 Internetworking
          Subjects: Routers

Additional Classification:
  B. Hardware
  B.7 INTEGRATED CIRCUITS
      B.7.2 Design Aids
          Subjects: Placement and routing

  J. Computer Applications

General Terms:
Design, Performance, Theory