A Knowledge Based Approach to VLSI CAD

Artificial Intelligence AI techniques offer one possible avenue toward new CAD tools to handle the complexities of VLSI. This paper summarizes the experience of the Rutgers AIVLSI group in exploring applications of AI to VLSI design over the past few years. In particular, it summarizes our experience in developing REDESIGN, a knowledge-based system for providing interactive aid in the functional redesign of digital circuits. Given a desired change to the function of a circuit, REDESIGN combines rule-based knowledge of design tactics with its ability to analyze signal propagation through circuits, in order to 1 help the user focus on an appropriate portion of the circuit to redesign, 2 suggest local redesign alternatives, and 3 determine side effects of possible redesigns. We also summarize our more recent research toward constructing a knowledge-based system for VLSI design and a system for chip debugging, both based on extending the techniques used by the REDESIGN system.