Principles of very large scale integrated (vlsi) system planning

Abstract

One of the first steps in the VLSI design process is to determine the particular design approach that will result in the most efficient implementation of the initial specifications or to conclude that the specifications are not realizable. As the complexity of design grows, the traditional "trial-and-error" design methodology becomes increasingly cost prohibitive because the number of possible design alternatives, as well as the cost of a complete synthesis and fabrication cycle, grows dramatically. VLSI System Planning addresses this problem by modeling the practices of an expert designer in providing guidance at the initial stage of the design process as to the most promising design alternatives and giving a preliminary indication of the estimated performance. A benefit of VLSI System Planning is that a more credible system-level specification can be developed. Another benefit is that the expensive resources of a full development cycle can be more judiciously targeted to only the select set of plans that are the most likely to meet the design goals. Finally, the designer can avoid costly redesigns when, halfway into an expensive design cycle, it is discovered that the final implementation will fall short of the performance goals.