Integrated Circuit

Integrated circuits have become more complex over time, so very large scale integration require extensive and recursive design and testing techniques. No design can be started from scratch any more; any design is developed from a previous version or using hardware cores developed by someone else. A puzzle-like process is initially done, and software tools do the recursive testing and optimization. Integrated circuit design involves three interrelated parameters: performance, circuit area, and power consumption. Subjects such as layout, pin-out, and power grid are also important.

The manufacture of circuits in integrated form dates from about 1959; the technology had its first impact in the field of digital electronics and it is here that the most impressive developments have taken place. It is only comparatively recently, after the general acceptance of the first linear i.c.'s, the operational amplifiers. that manufacturers have turned their efforts to the development of a variety of linear integrated circuit devices.

Examines all important aspects of integrated circuit design, fabrication, assembly and test processes as they relate to quality and reliability.

The layout of integrated circuits on chips and boards is a complex task. A major portion of the research in the area of design automation has been devoted to the development of efficient and easy-to-use systems that support circuit layout. There are two aspects of building a layout system that are difficult. One is the combinatorial aspect and the other is the systems aspect. The combinatorial aspect is that most of the optimization problems that have to be solved during integrated-circuit layout are intractable.

A Complete Guide