Gate Array Versus Standard Cell Realization of an Analog/Digital µC Interface Circuit

An interface circuit containing analog and digital functions was realized in gate array and standard cell design techniques. Realization on gate arrays became possible by using circuit tricks which can also be applied to the standard cell version. Based on this example various aspects of the two design styles are compared. For such designs it is most important to have CAD tools which give sufficient support to the designer, and which do not restrict him into a fixed set of macro cells.