Tutorial on Parallel Processing for Design Automation Applications

This tutorial is designed as an introduction to the field of parallel processing and to its impact on the field of design automation (DA). It starts by reviewing the history of parallel processing. Examples of current hardware are discussed, focusing on the trade offs between custom hardware and general purpose hardware. Interconnection of processors and memory is discussed to demonstrate the range of architectural options available. Then, two key DA algorithms, implemented on parallel machines, are analyzed. Finally, there is a list of other DA applications that have already been implemented on parallel hardware and a list of future candidates for parallel processing. The tutorial concludes with a summary of future needs and directions. High on this list is the need for program design aids and new compilers.