On the feasibility of synthesizing CAD software from specifications: generating maze router tools in ELF

The application of program synthesis techniques to the generation of technology-sensitive VLSI physical design tools is described. The architecture and implementation of a particular software generator (called ELF) targeted at the generation of maze routing software is described. ELF strives to meet the demands of the target technology by automatically generating maze router implementations to match the application requirements. ELF has three key features. First, a very high level language, lacking data structure implementation specifications, is used to describe algorithm design styles. Second, application-specific expertise about routing and application independent code synthesis techniques are used to guide search among alternative design styles for algorithms and data structures. Third, code generation is used to transform the resulting abstract descriptions of selected algorithms and data structures into final, executable code. Code generation is an incremental, stepwise refinement process. Experimental results are presented covering several correct. fully functional routers synthesized by ELF from varying high-level specifications. Results from synthetic and industrial benchmarks are examined to illustrate ELF´s capabilities