CRI: Development of Cell Libraries to Support VLSI Research and Education

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University, Blacksburg VA

Investigators

Abstract

Abstract Program: NSF 04-588 CISE Computing Research Infrastructure Title: CRI: Development of Cell Libraries to Support VLSI Research and Education Proposal: CNS 0551652 PI: Ha, Dong S. Institution: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Cell-based VLSI chip design relies on an infrastructure of a standard cell library as the basic building blocks and is the most widely used design approach in today's SOC (system-on-chip) era. Standard cell libraries benefit all VLSI disciplines, including full custom design, automatic layout generation, physical design, logic synthesis, CAD tools, and testing. Commercially available libraries do not permit important research uses. The principal investigator has developed and distributed a standard cell library to 200 universities worldwide for teaching and research since 1999. In response to user needs, the investigator will improve and expand the cell library in: development of library cells for other processing technologies; development of RAM and ROM compilers and data converters; and provision of additional features and simulation libraries. Broader impacts of this project include opportunities for research and education at the host institution and providing valuable cell libraries to researchers and educators across the nation.