CAD for VLSI: Symple: a symbolic layout tool for bipolar and MOS VLSI

Symbolic layout offers a powerful and flexible methodology for the design of bipolar and MOS cells. An integrated set of symbols that addresses both bipolar and MOS devices was previously reported. A design tool that implements the symbolic methodology based on that set has been developed; Symple is a processindependent layout editor that allows the designer to symbolically create cells in bipolar, NMOS, CMOS, mixed BIMOS, or a mixed BICMOS technology. While the program abstracts most of the process complexities from the designer, it also retains the relevant layout features. Mechanisms for compaction, mask generation and circuit extraction are included.