Structured, technology independent VLSI design

Rapid advancement in new semiconductor technologies has created a need for the design of existing integrated circuits using these new technologies. These new technologies are required to provide improved performance, smaller feature sizes and lower costs. The conversion of an integrated circuit from an existing technology to a new technology, however, is very difficulty with existing CAD tools. In this research, we have concentrated on developing a structured, technology independent VLSI design methodology, with the goal of theoretically quantifying technology independence and systematically performing technology transformation. We have identified the nature of the problems, using techniques developed during our past research, within the context of particular semiconductor technologies such as CMOS and GaAs technologies.