Custom and semi-custom design approaches for the future

The exploding growth of work stations, CAD software/turnkey systems, more vendors of gate arrays, standard cells and handcrafted devices, low-cost computer hardware, and use of foundries, reflect, largely, the tremendous increase of custom and semi-custom devices. These devices range from gate arrays used for a one-to-one replacement for large volume PC boards to sophisticated systems. They are generated by totally purchased services, by internal designers using rented tools, and by internal skill centers. The method of generation includes gate arrays, standard ceils, interactive designs using work stations and/or computer-linked graphic terminals, silicon compilers, and others . . . This panel will discuss the future direction of custom and semi-custom designs and seek to identify which design approach or approaches will dominate in the near and immediate future. It will also seek to identify what tools will be required to support the most probable approach.