Modern VLSI Design: System-on-Chip Design, Third Edition

9Chip Design

Highlights:

Chip design methodologies.

Two example chip designs.

9.1 Introduction

This chapter works through two design problems: a simple kitchen timer chip and a microprocessor data path. These designs are simple relative to the size of chips that can be fabricated today, but they will help us see how the many techniques we have discussed fit together—the sequence of decisions required to design an integrated circuit. Before describing these designs, we’ll start with a survey of design methodologies.

9.2 Design Methodologies

The exact sequence of steps you follow to design a chip will vary with your circumstances: what type of chip you are designing; size and performance constraints; the design time allowed; the CAD ...