VLSI programming and silicon compilation-a novel approach from Philips research

To make silicon as an implementation medium accessible to system designers, the Philips approach requires an interface between the system-level and algorithmic concerns on the one hand and the more physical concerns on the other hand. The CP-0 programming language is proposed as such an interface. The actual design amounts to the translation of system requirements into a CP-0 program, for which the term VLSI programming is proposed. A silicon compiler subsequently transforms the CP-0 program into a VLSI layout and a test trace. Other issues considered include the implementation of delay-insensitive circuits, testing, and the use of `zoom and pan´ (ZaP) as a vehicle