Coping with complexity ...

  • Design rules: abstracting away parts of the process
  • Automated tools for placing, routing, etc.
  • Hierarchy, parameterization, and regularity of design (e.g., replicated bit-slices; 2D structures that can tile and be connected by abutment); tools to support this
  • Timing analysis and verification
  • Logic synthesis (huge advances in the past decade)

    We don't expect most systems of 5-10 million components to be flawless! (E.g., construction projects)

    Back ...