New directions in semicustom arrays

The CMOS Gate Forest is such a semicustom array which offers an integration level comparable to that of a full-custom VLSI environment. A hierarchical design approach has become essential in order to be able to handle the complexity of such an implementation environment. Although the Gate Forest is representative of second-generation gate arrays, it also incorporates a number of unique features. The Gate Forest is used to describe the major features of a current semicustom design environment. Partitioning, floorplanning, and mapping operation characteristics are described. Current status of the different parts of the Gate Forest design environment are described.<>