Approaches to CAD Development for Specialized VLSI

This paper discusses various approaches to the development of computer-aided design systems for specialized very large scale integration (VLSI) circuits. Based on a hierarchical approach to VLSI design, the main stages that need to be implemented by the CAD system are identified, and the tasks performed by the system at each stage are considered. The functionality accelerating changes in the design are proposed for each stage. The main approaches used in the development of this kind of system, their pros and cons, are also considered.