Essential Electronic Design Automation (EDA)

Introduction

This chapter gives the EDA tool users' perspective on the tools and the industry. Who are the users? They are the electronic systems, semiconductor, or ASIC development engineers who design ICs. They are also the engineering design and EDA administration and support managers.

New EDA tool customers need to be aware of the significant costs and risks involved. We will consider tools, tool integration, computer choices, and staff.

Since the IC technology shrinks so rapidly, EDA tools are continually updated or replaced to handle more complexity and new design issues. Tools are normally rushed to market with increased capacity for more complex chips, speedups, and new capabilities.

Users need to expect some frustration in evaluating ...