On the architecture of a CAD framework: The NELSIS approach

The paper presents the principles of the architecture of a CAD framework that puts a substantial added-value under the fingertips of the designer by organizing the design information and keeping track of the design evolution, and in addition permits integration of tools of different origin and achieves run-time efficiency. It provides a rationale for partitioning the design information into raw data and meta data, then it models the meta data and defines the architecture of the framework. Key features of this framework are its high level services for tool integration and extensive browsing facilities for the designer. The principles presented have been implemented in the Nelsis IC design system in which they have proven their usefulness and efficiency