A new approach to system level modeling and optimization of integrated circuits

In an effort to allow statistical design methods to be applied at the system level, new approaches to high level modeling and optimization are introduced. The statistical behavioral modeling methodology demonstrated facilitates statistical analysis of complex systems where such analysis was previously impractical due to computational costs. The newly introduced optimization methodology uses statistical constraint propagation techniques in conjunction with system level modeling to allow optimal assignment of statistical block specifications based on cost and quality criteria early in the design cycle. These two methods address major concerns of the semiconductor industry, where modeling and design at the system level is becoming increasingly important