Integration of an expert system for analogue layout synthesis into a commercial CAD framework

Whilst CAD tools for the digital domain are highly developed, equivalent synthesis and layout tools for the analogue domain are far less advanced. Analogue circuit design and subsequent IC layout are much more complex and require substantially greater designer expertise; consequently analogue circuitry is frequently a bottleneck in mixed-mode designs and design automation in this area is a high priority. Knowledge-based approaches offer promise in achieving results comparable to the skilled designer. A new system for automatic analogue IC layout generation is presented. The approach is based upon the use of a commercial CAD framework