European trends in library development

The time-to-market and cost constraints of designing VLSI circuits, together with increasing complexity, necessitate a structured design methodology. Such a methodology should be based on an extensive use of libraries of generic components and previously designed macro blocks. An ideal library for modern design strategies that are based on a top-down structured approach is described. The concepts of portability, migratability, and interoperability of libraries are discussed. It is shown that libraries capitalize on knowledge gained over generations of designs, and successful libraries demand a serious effort at standardization.<>