An expert system for VLSI layout design

An expert system for VLSI layout design is introduced. It synthesizes a VLSI layout of a digital logic circuit from a high-level description of the circuit modules and the associated interconnection list. The synthesis process utilizes a standard cell library built within the system and selects a certain module according to a multilevel criterion directed by user-specified importance factors. The system then performs the module placement task, by placing the modules which are tightly interconnected near each other. It then performs the routing task. This routing system is based upon a modified version of a grid expansion router. It contains adjustable parameters to fit the desired technology. It is a computer-aided design tool written in Prolog on a microcomputer, and it is used with different samples of digital circuits.<>