Automated maintenance of ASIC libraries in a dynamic design environment

In order to ensure that simulation libraries are correct and reliable for ASIC design verification, a quality assurance process which is automated and based on a comprehensive test strategy must be in place. Maintenance automation for ASIC libraries provides benefits similar to design automation, namely reduced test and verification times of the libraries, reduced resources, increased productivity, and a more robust ASIC library for design verification. A maintenance automation strategy requires detailed planning. Some major issues which have been considered in realizing an effective maintenance environment are introduced. They include ASIC library profusion, specifications, process automation, multiple host environments test and maintenance strategy, and regression test databases