Showing papers on "Electronic design automation published in 1974"

Design automation of MOS artwork

Abstract: Without sophisticated design automation techniques, the increasing complexity of custom MOS circuits requires long design cycles and large investments. Usually only a few parts of each type of custom MOS circuit are required, and the design cost becomes a significant portion of the cost of the manufactured parts. These facts prohibit many companies from using custom MOS circuits in their products. Design automation applied to custom MOS circuit design significantly lowers the total design cost by shortening the design cycle, reducing labor, and allowing error free designs to be produced before being manufactured. This makes possible the use of custom MOS circuits, even when only a few parts are required.

Computer-Aided Design of Ultrasonic Transducer Broadband Matching Networks

Abstract: The application of computer-aided circuit design (CAD) for modifying the performance of ultrasonic transducers according to certain design specifications has received limited recognition. To illustrate the power of CAD for providing better designs, this paper departs from the more conventional approach (controlling bonding and matching layers) and outlines a design strategy employing appropriate broadband matching networks.

CADSYS: A New Approach to Computer-Aided Design

Abstract: This paper presents a first implementation of a computer-aided design concept intended to confront issues normally faced by designers of complex engineering systems. Computer graphics play no essential role in this concept. Rather, the concept is aimed at organizing the analysis and search activities of a designer as he attempts to find values for the independent design parameters at his disposal so that specific performance goals will be met. The framework for the implementation is an interactive computer system written in PL/I, comprising a problem-independent command interpreter and a completely general problem-dependent analytical statement relating the design parameters and the performance measures. The designer can change the performance specifications (and to a limited degree the analytical problem statement itself) and can issue commands directing searches for solutions (values for the independent parameters) that satisfy, or come closest to satisfying, the requirements. If the requirements conflict and admit of no solution, he can relax them in an organized fashion. If they are slack and admit many overdesigned solutions, he can search for ways to tighten them or to balance the achievement of them. A manager can assign several designers to use computer-aided design system (CADSYS) simultaneously to work on related parts of a large problem. Changes or results by one designer are immediately felt by the others and by the manager. CADSYS thus has some of the properties of a management information system.

Computer-Aided Tolerance Optimization Applied to Microwave Circuits

Abstract: A very important practical problem in microwave circuit design is the problem of optimal design subject to component tolerances. An approach which treats the component tolerance assignment as an integral part of computer-aided design is,. to the authors' knowledge, new to microwave engineers. Using recent nonlinear programming techniques and Dakin's branch and bound technique in conjunction with Fletcher's unconstrained minimization program, a variety of continuous and discrete tolerance problems may be solved. It is planned to make the full program available.

The Status of Computer-Oriented Microwave Practices (Panel Discussion)

Abstract: The panel members were asked to respond to the Guest Editor's questions, given below. They were then given copies of each other's comments and asked to respond with a second round of opinions.

Computer-Aided design: Selections from the 10th annual design automation workshop

Abstract: In the January 1974 issue of Computer, Art Collmeyer presented several papers describing recent developments in classical design automation. This issue expands on that theme, opening up the wide ranging application of DA techniques. All the papers selected for this issue are drawn from the proceedings of the Tenth Design Automation Workshop held in Portland, Oregon June 25–27, 1973.

A simple computer-aided artwork system that works

Abstract: A complete, computerized artwork processing system for Integrated circuits and printed circuit boards includes digitizers, plotters, a design rule checker, and a pastern generator command program. Its success depends on simplicity, consistency and technology independence.

Feasibility study of an integrated program for aerospace vehicle design (IPAD)

Abstract: The basic goal of the IPAD system is to increase the productivity of the product design organization. This IPAD study showed increases in individual productivity are feasible through automation and computer support of routine information handling. Such automation can directly decrease cost and flowtime in the product design process.

Developments in design automation

Abstract: The May/June 1972 issue of COMPUTER was devoted to the subject of design automation. As with other technologies, the ensuing 18 months have provided ample opportunity for change — enough, in fact, to justify a sequel. Below, guest editor Art Collmeyer introduces this month's issue, which presents a collection of papers providing further insight into the construction and application of design automation systems.

High packing density LSI layout system with interactive facilities

Abstract: LSI chip area and design time, reduced by improving automatic layout programs and by combining them with interactive refining techniques, will be discussed Packing density of layouts has been found to be at least equal to that of manual designs

A simple, efficient design automation processor

Abstract: This paper describes a design automation processor which was developed as a design, pedagogical, and research tool at Vanderbilt University. The processor was intended to provide a design aid for the development of small scale switching systems (e.g., controllers, interfaces, etc.). These designs were intended to be realized using TTL logic and TI #218763 wire-wrap boards. While the initial implementation was limited to this technology, flexibility for growth was included in the system design. In addition, although the system is primarily designed for wire-wrapped technology, a wire router is included to provide a printed circuit capability.

Design Automation for Custom Hardware in Computer Research

Abstract: The equipment and software which permit a university group to perform computer hardware research is described. The objectives were to obtain a low-cost, minimally specialized hardware system coupled to computer-aided design techniques. Two measures demonstrated that these objectives were met: (1) students have been able to build reasonably large devices as part of their graduate research and, (2) the system has paid for itself many times over in the construction of computer devices which are not available commercially.

An Asynchronous Circuit Design Language (ACDL)

Abstract: This correspondence describes a special purpose Asynchronous Circuit Design Language (ACDL) for specifying the terminal behavior of asynchronous sequential circuits. The language is a valuable tool for formalizing and documenting asynchronous designs, as well as providing a user interface to a completely automated synthesis system. The language includes many special features which permit quick and precise specification of terminal behavior and is best suited for problems that are currently being described informally by word statements.

Design Automation in a computer science curriculum

Abstract: Design Automation is emerging as a discipline and as such necessitates the development of appropriate curricula within the University environment. It is proposed that this can be achieved within the context of existing syllabi with the objective of producing graduates having an orientation in Design Automation. Some requirements for design automation are identified and corresponding curricula are proposed.

Philosophic comments on data base context and management in design automation

Abstract: The word “context” in the title is chosen quite specifically. In design automation the data base structure and organization are relevant but not of primary concern: rather, the content of a data base and its interaction with various processes are of greater importance. It might appear that the word “environment” is more appropriate in this context, but this is true only if it is further qualified. Therefore, I have chosen to use the word “context”, since where a design automation data base is utilized it should explain its own meaning by virtue of being there; otherwise, it is not performing the function for which it was designed.The words “design automation” are not well defined in common usage. In the eyes of some people design automation is a very restrictive discipline relating only to the actual design of a device as small as a circuit composed of only a few electrical components, or a piece of mechanical cabinetry. Design automation in its broadest sense must be concerned with the life of a device from conception to end of life. Under this definition of design automation a device is a complete entity.

Initial design concepts for an advanced design automation system

Abstract: Most design automation systems attempt to automate only a small part of the physical description. Much is left to the designers. An exploratory design automation system is being developed at the University of Southern California. The system is intended to be highly interactive and has several features which will enhance the possibilities of automatic physical description. Different approaches and algorithms required to accomplish the “future” system are outlined.

Speculation on the future of design automation

Abstract: The future direction of the use of design automation for designing and developing digital data processing systems and hardware is highlighted. Some of the unsolved problems in design automation are indicated.

Design automation at Southern Methodist University

Abstract: The growing importance of computer aided design is difficult to ignore. As systems become more complex and design lead times shrink, manual design techniques have proven inadequate, or at best very costly. Utilization of computers to reduce design time and cost has been advertised as a solution to this problem, but automated design methods also have drawbacks. For example, design automation (D.A.) is an immature discipline, suffering from many of the difficulties encountered in the evolution of a new specialization. Moreover, costs are high and outcomes are uncertain. The foundations upon which D.A. rests are themselves unsettled. Computer “Science” is still somewhat an art and manufacturing technology changes rapidly in some areas of application. Because D.A. is such a new discipline, very few practitioners have been formally trained in this field. There is, however, a recognized need for more entry level engineers and applied scientists with backgrounds in Design Automation. This paper briefly describes current D.A. teaching and research activities at Southern Methodist University, and suggests some of our future directions.

The current status and future work of design automation in Japan

Abstract: The Japanese computer industry is very active and has done a great deal of work in the Design Automation area. The author has had the opportunity to talk to some of the people working for the leading Japanese computer manufacturers.

A Computer Aided System (CAS) for the design, manufacture, test, and documentation of digital Printed Circuit Boards.

Abstract: This paper is an overview of a complete set of software packages for the design, manufacture, test and documentation of Digital Printed Circuit Boards.

Curriculum on design automation at the University of Southern California

Abstract: During the 1969--70 academic year we introduced a course here at USC dealing with the use of computers in the design of digital system. This was probably the first such course of its kind instituted on a regular basis in the United States. The idea for such a course came from my colleagues in the special interests group on Design Automation of the IEEE Computer Group. Their primary goal for such a course was to instill the basic concepts of computer aided design into our new graduates. This paper reviews the major aspects related to this course on computer design. Hopefully, other schools will be motivated to develop similar courses. It is interesting to note that in a recent issue of Spectrum [5], W. R. Beam states that"... every digital designer needs to know something about design automation, even if he's only going to build a single system." For this reason, a book on design automation [1] is one of his eleven essential books for the digital designer's reference and study library.

RTL - The firmware Design Automation system

Abstract: The development of firmware controlled devices poses several new requirements on Design Automation Because firmware is central to system design and reflects heavily on system speed and cost, the basic assembly parameters change after during the early design phases It is necessary to have an automation system which is able to react to design changes without reprogramming of system components Thus the standard approach of simulating firmware with a special purpose language and a special purpose assembler or assembler/simulator is no longer practical This paper discusses a general solution to the several requirements of firmware design

Design automation in preliminary design

Abstract: This paper will explore the role of design automation in the preliminary design process. For this purpose, design automation is considered as the use of computer programs in the analysis and synthesis of a tactical weapon system. The weapon system consists of all the elements required to deliver a warhead onto an unfriendly target. The design process is considered and the role of computer programs is defined. From these studies the requirements for design automation are obtained, and the value of design automation is assessed.

The computer aided design of processor architectures

Abstract: A design automation system is described which has certain features that make it particularly well suited to the automation and analysis of entire digital systems; including hardware, firmware and software. The code includes facilities for automated synthesis, simulation and documentation. The languages, called LINDA and MODEL, and their processing algorithms are described.Examples of computer architecture studies which have been conducted using LINDA and MODEL are also presented. These include development of an associative processor and investigations related to a logic-in-memory architecture. It is stressed that reliance on the appropriate design automation procedures have expedited the work and reduced the cost of research by eliminating the implementation phase as a necessary prerequisite to the study of machine concepts.