A silicon compiler is a software system that takes a user's specifications and automatically generates an integrated circuit (IC). A software system is a System based on Software forming part of a Computer system (a combination of hardware and software Microchipsjpg|right|thumb|200px|Microchips ( EPROM memory with a transparent window showing the integrated circuit inside The process is sometimes referred to as hardware compilation. Logic synthesis is a process by which an abstract form of desired circuit behavior (typically Register transfer level (RTL or behavioral is turned into a design implementation
Silicon compilation takes place in three major steps:
- Convert a hardware-description language such as Verilog or VHDL into logic (typically in the form of a "netlist"). In Electronics, a hardware description language or HDL is any language from a class of Computer languages and/or Programming languages for formal In the Semiconductor and electronic design industry Verilog is a Hardware description language (HDL used to model electronic systems. The word netlist can be used in several different contexts but perhaps the most popular is in the field of Electronic design.
- Place equivalent logic gates on the IC. A logic gate performs a logical operation on one or more logic inputs and produces a single logic output Silicon compilers typically use standard-cell libraries so that they do not have to worry about the actual integrated-circuit layout and can focus on the placement.
- Routing the standard cells together to form the desired logic.
One of the earliest silicon compilers was called Bristle Blocks. [1]
References
- ^ Johannsen, D. L. , "Bristle Blocks: A Silicon Compiler," Proceedings 16th Design Automation Conference, 310–313, June 1979.
External links
- Definition from PC Magazine
- Computer Aids for VLSI Design by Steven M. Rubin
- Hardware compilation information
- Hardware compilation mailing list
- Electric (software)
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