2. Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Tools
• Early days were easy. The first IC-based microprocessor 4004 from Intel
had only 2300 transistors (manufactured in 10 micron technology).
Almost manual design.
• Current chips has well about 1B transistors. To get the chip to market
fast, CAD tools are needed.
S. Reda EN160 SP’08
3. A simple tool chain
specifications
Hardware if SEL == “00“ then Y
elseif SEL == “01“ then Y
=
=
A;
B;
elseif SEL == “10“ then Y = C;
Description else
end if;
Y = D;
Languages 2:1 MUX
2:1 MUX
schematic entry
D
synthesis C
2:1 MUX
B Y
A
SEL == 10
SEL == 01
SEL == 00
IC layout/
Layout and routing Cell library
area
simulation
Verification and timing/ power results
S. Reda EN160 SP’08