The design of DSP components for the CD digital audio system using silicon compilation techniques

The PIRAMID silicon compiler, which incorporates architecture synthesis, module generation, and floorplanning tools, is described. Design efficiency is evaluated by the design of an error corrector for a compact-disk digital audio system. A syndrome generator chip was found functionally correct and showed acceptable performance. The silicon compilation method has proved to be sufficiently mature to approach industrial constraints. Using a complete silicon compilation design system like PIRAMID, a system designer can iterate many different architecture solutions within a man-week. A flexible module library and gridless layout strategy give area efficient solutions