An intelligent design system for analogue integrated circuit

A new design methodology for the design of arbitrary analogue functional blocks (op amps, comparators . . .) is presented. The method combines symbolic simulation, numerical optimization and knowledge-based techniques and covers the whole design path from analytic modeling over optimal circuit sizing down to layout. This path is repeatedly passed through on different hierarchical levels for higher-level blocks. The main advantage of the new CAD system is that it is not limited to a fixed set of circuit topologies. It can automatically design any new circuit by the introduction of artificial intelligence techniques: building block recognition, design equation manipulation, self-learning capabilities. . . These features make it an intelligent and flexible analogue design system