Logic Design for Array-Based Circuits

• Table of Contents
  
• Preface
  
• Overview
  
• Chapter 1 Introduction
  
  • Introduction to Chapter 1
  • Design Tools [2001]
  • Design Options
  • Semi-Custom Arrays
    
  • Selection
  • Which Array Technology?
    • Size
  • Design Support Issues
    • Schematic Rules Checking
    • Reformatters
    • Design Upgrades
  • Exercises
  • Update 2000
• Chapter 2 Structured Design Methodology
• Chapter 3 Sizing the Design
• Chapter 3 Appendix = Case Study in Sizing a Design
• Chapter 4 Design Optimization
• Chapter 5 Timing Analysis for Arrays
• Chapter 6 External Set-up and Hold Times
• Chapter 7 Power Considerations
• Case Study: DC Power Computation
• Case Study: AC Power Computation
• Chapter 8 Simulation
• Case Study: Simulation
• Chapter 9 Faults and Fault Detection
• Chapter 10 Design Submission
• ASIC Glossary
  • Glossary A-D
  • Glossary E-K
  • Glossary L-R
  • Glossary S-Z
  • Symbols

Introduction

Selection

The choice between full-custom, semi-custom, fixed or simple gate-level custom is based on several factors. These include: architectural requirements, interface technology requirements, size restrictions, speed (maximum worst-case operating frequency), power limitations, power supply options, manufacturing cycle time, cost, packaging options, and design time. Figure 1-3 characterizes the problem.

Basis for Discussion

The discussion in this text will refer primarily to Applied Micro Circuits Corporation arrays for examples of current technology. These include: Bipolar arrays: the Q5000, and the Q20000 Series; and BiCMOS arrays: the Q14000 and Q24000 Series. However, the design methodology; can be applied to any arrays from any vendor for any array technology and to any future arrays developed by AMCC and the other array vendors.

The design methodology is generic. It is vendor and technology-independent.

WHERE DO YOU START?

Figure 1-3 The Selection Problem

Note:

Later chapters in this text refer to engineering workstations (EWS) and the methodology for their use in the design process. Workstations that are specifically referred to are: the Mentor Graphics System on Apollo and the Valid on SUN. Simulators referenced include Verilog on SUN4 and Lasar 6 on the VAX under VMS. The basic tools required for a design remain the same regardless of the workstation, platform, framework or mainframe used.

Circuit Architecture

A fixed-instruction set microprocessor or sequencer has a predefined architecture and instruction set. A bit-slice solution places some constraints on the designer in terms of architecture but leaves most of the definition to the user by way of the selected interconnections between bit-slice modules and the microprogram control. An SSI/MSI implementation allows the designer the specify in complete, exact detail the architecture desired.

The SSI/MSI design can be implemented in full custom or semi-custom VLSI. Bit-slice modules can be emulated on arrays. The ASIC arrays are big enough to support a complex ALU module but not yet large enough for one array to replace a full microprocessor.

Copyright © 1996, 2001, 2002, 2008 Donnamaie E. White , WhitePubs Enterprises, Inc.
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