A floorplan specifies the layout of modules in very large scale integration (VLSI) design, and a new code, called the EQ-sequence, for representing a floorplan is presented in this paper. The EQ-sequence is based on a Q-sequence. The EQ-sequence can preserve the adjacent relationships of rooms on a floorplan, but the Q-sequence cannot. The algorithms for encoding, moving and decoding of an EQ-sequence are introduced. With the EQ-sequence, we can check whether two modules abut each other on a floorplan. It has been proved that any floorplan of n rooms is uniquely encoded by an EQ-sequence and any EQ-sequence is uniquely decoded to a floorplan, both in O(n) time.

This paper presents an algorithm for the scan-chain optimization problem in multiple-scan design methodology. The proposed algorithm, which consists of four phases, first determines pairs of scan-in and scan-out pins (Phase 1), and then assigns flip-flops to scan-paths by using a graph theoretical method (Phase 2). Next the algorithm decides connection-order of flip-flops in each scan-path by using TSP (Traveling Salesman Problem) heuristics (Phase 3), and finally exchanges flip-flops among scan-paths in order to reduce total scan-path length (Phase 4). Experiments using actual design data show that, for ten scan-paths, our algorithm achieved a 90% reduction in scan-test time at the expense of a 7% total scan-path length increase as compared with the length of a single optimized scan-path. Also, our algorithm produced less total scan-path length than other three possible algorithms in a reasonable computing time.

This paper proposes a method for achieving low-power control-logic modules using a combination of CMOS complex gate reorganization, transistor size optimization, and transistor layout. Complex gate reorganization minimizes transistor count and net count without changing the functionality of the circuit. Transistor sizing and layout are interdependent, the optimization of one results in the optimization of the other. The authors applied the reorganization method to a 10,846-transistor circuit, and succeeded in reducing the transistor count by 10%, and the net count by 9%. Transistor sizing and layout compaction reduced the average transistor size by one tenth, while the same delay was maintained. Total circuit capacitance, which is strongly related to power dissipation, was cut to 36%, even when wiring capacitances were dominant.

The performance of ASIPs (Application Specific Integrated Processors) is heavily affected by the design of their instruction set architecture. In order to maximize the performance of ASIP, it is essential to design an architecture that has an optimum instruction set. This paper descibes a new method that automates the design of optimum instruction set of ASIP. This method solves the Instruction set implementation Method Selection Problem(IMSP). IMSP is to be solved in the instruction set architecture design. Frse, the IMSP is formalized as an integer programming problem, which is to maximize the perfomance of the CPU under the constraints of chip area and power consumption. Then, a branch-and-bound algorithm to solve IMSP is described. According to the experimental results, the proposed algorithm is quite effective and efficient in solving the IMSP. The presented method automates a complex part of the ASIP chip design and is also a good design tool that enables designer to predict the performance of their design before completion.

We propose a hierarchical multi-layer global router for Sea-Of-Gates VLSI's, which is different from the conventional global routers, in that routing and layering are executed simultaneously. The main problems to be solved in the global routing for a multi-layer VLSI are which wire segments are laid out on upper layers and how they are connected to terminals located on lower layers. The main objective is to minimize the maximum of local congestions of all layers. We solve these problems in a hierarchical manner by routing from upper layers to lower layers.