Cell-Layout Compilers Simplify Custom-IC Design

Custom IC design has been a problem in the past because of detailed geometric-mask design. Now with cell-compilers and the tools that support their use, programs are available that will convert user-defined functions and behavioral parameters that will allow the user to optimize custom chips. The article describes in detail the generation of customized cells, cell characteristics and interwiring of chip functions for compactness. The article contains several circuit diagrams that show different applications of cell layout.