Introduction to VLSI Design Flow

In this part of the book, we will introduce integrated circuits (ICs) concepts and give a top-level view of the entire VLSI design flow. In the remaining portion of this book, we will discuss each task of the VLSI design flow in detail. We have taken this approach to present the topics because an early introduction to the entire design flow eases building context for individual tasks. It allows us to relate one task with another in the remaining portion of this book. We can appreciate the interaction between them and understand how decisions of one task impact other tasks. As a result, we can easily comprehend challenges and opportunities in optimizations and develop a solid understanding of the entire flow.

In the first chapter (“Foundation”), we will briefly describe the concepts of digital circuits, devices, CMOS inverters, data structures, and algorithms. Since readers would have been exposed to these topics previously, this chapter will serve as a refresher. Additionally, this chapter will be a handy reference if a reader needs to recall some of these concepts. In the second chapter (“Introduction to Integrated Circuits”), we will introduce the concepts related to ICs, their history, fabrication, economics, and figures of merit. In the third (“Pre-RTL Methodologies”) and fourth (“RTL to GDS Implementation Flow”) chapters, we will describe the implementation of a design from concept to the layout. In the fifth (“Verification Techniques”) and sixth (“Testing Techniques”) chapters, we will discuss basic concepts related to the verification and testing of ICs. In the seventh chapter (“Post-GDS processes”), we will explain processes involved in fabricating chips from a given layout.