ALSYN: flexible rule-based layout synthesis for analog IC´s

ALSYN (Analog Layout SYNthesis), a tool that synthesizes layout from netlist-level descriptions for a broad range of analog integrated circuits, is presented. User-defined rules derive partitioning and other control information, based on parameters and topology of the circuit. Equivalent control information can also be set individually, e.g. supplied in the input netlist by preceding circuit synthesis or during interactive use of the synthesis system. This flexible concept enables designers to incorporate their own reusable knowledge into the synthesis process and to explore design space with the assistance of ALSYN. A flexible module generator environment and easy technology database access offer support for extending the library of parameterized layout primitives with variable shapes. Fast tools for constructive placement, using the MinCut/slicing tree approach, and for maze-style routing and postprocessing, offer various means of coping with the individual requirements of most analog applications