QUEST: a system for module selection and design optimization under multiple constraints

A system is presented that aids the selection of appropriate cells from a standard cell library that satisfies a set of area and delay constraints. The system has a well-integrated area and delay estimator that are very closely coupled with the selection process. Both combinational and sequential logic described hierarchically are handled by the system. A library-based area optimization technique is another novel capability of the system. Impressive results have been obtained by using this system on several large and realistic designs