Heinz Schwärtzel

Industrielle Nutzung Wissensbasierter Systeme

Noch vor wenigen Jahren war der Begriff „Wissensverarbeitung“ (knowledge processing) auserhalb der Artificial Intelligence (Al)-Forschung praktisch unbekannt. Heute befinden wir uns an der Schwelle zum praktischen Einsatz dieser Technologie in einer Vielzahl von Anwendungsfeldern, vornehmlich im technisch-naturwissenschaftlichen Bereich.

Systems Science and Systems Technology: From Conceptual Framework to Applicable Solutions

The paper points out the importance of systems technology for dealing with complex design tasks in real life problem solving especially in the field of engineering.

Modelling and Simulation

Reviewing the model-based approach to scientific problem solving from a very general point of view, we observe the following pattern of actions (Figure 3.1.1): Starting with the real world situation, we recognize a problem we want to eliminate or improve. To tackle this problem using scientific methods we first build a model,and try to find a solution of the problem in the world of the model. The obtained solution in the model world has to be interpreted in the real world and finally we have to implement the solution in the real world to eliminate the problem.

CAST Method Bank Systems

In Chapter 1 we introduced the reader to the world of the “systems approach” for modelling purposes from a general point of view. The concept of system types, specific examples, and the concept of system transformations and their linking to form a system algorithm were the main objects of concern. In the following, we will introduce the concepts and computer-aided means that make Systems Theory operational for practical applications. The concept of a “method bank”, a special kind of database system which enables the user to apply the knowledge of Systems Theory, is put forward.

Introduction to the Design of Integrated Circuits

This book has three main goals: First, we want to show that the development of modern design procedures for integrated circuits which have simple and formal interfaces with the design engineer as well as with the production process (standard design procedures) have resulted in new ways of solving user-specific problems: A new kind of application technology has thus been formed. It might find as wide an application as the programming technology for software which, in the beginning of the sixties, became a universal application technology. Second, we want to give general introduction to the methods of designing integrated circuits. We will discuss basic technologies as well as various methods of layout design and required testing concepts.

Introduction to Semiconductor Technology for Integrated Circuits

The semiconductor technology started its triumphant march in the beginning of the sixties; a few circuit functions were integrated on a monolithic silicon chip a few mm2 in size. With the development of so-called MOS technology (MOS = metal oxide semiconductor) the key step towards extremely high integration densities was taken successfully in the middle of the sixties. In 1964, G. E. Moore, then director of the research department at Intel, predicted an annual doubling of the number of circuit functions per chip. The actual trend, a quadruplication every third year, is shown in Fig. 2.1.

Application of the VENUS Design System

The following chapter presents considerations, decisions, activities and arrangements which must be considered in conjunction with the definition, design, production, test and first delivery of a semiconductor component that is developed by means of the design system VENUS.

Cells and Libraries

Standard design systems are especially effective if they support several design methods (gate array, standard cells, macrocells) and several process technologies (CMOS, ECL). In this chapter some cell libraries currently offered with the VENUS design system are discussed with reference to the following aspects: A survey on the functional scope of the cell spectrum, the technical data of the cells and the structure of the data sheet is given. The similarities appearing when one goes from one design method (gate array) to another (standard cells) within one process technology are illustrated. The special features appearing when one goes from one process technology (3 µm CMOS) to another, higher integrated one (2 µm CMOS) are shown. The differences between different process technologies (CMOS and ECL) are demonstrated.

Layout Design Methods

A basic idea common to all standard design procedures is, as previously explained, the preparation of reusable, prefabricated and verified circuit components [3.1]. The design expenditure for the layout is saved. And the design engineer can work at a higher abstraction level. Transistors and the technological limitations — described in terms of process technology related design rules — no longer form the design basis; rather it is logic elements such as gates, flipflops and memories. These elements are called cells. That is why standard-design procedures are also called cell-oriented design procedures.

Zellen und Bibliotheken

Standarddesignsysteme weisen dann besondere Einsatz- und Leistungsfahigkeit auf, wenn sie mehrere Designmethoden (Gate-Array, Standardzellen, Makrozellen) und mehrere Prozestechnologien (CMOS, ECL) unterstutzen. In diesem Kapitel werden einige derzeit mit dem Entwurfssystem VENUS verbundene Zellenbibliotheken unter folgenden Gesichtspunkten fur den Designingenieur erlautert: Er erhalt einen Uberblick uber den Funktionsumfang des Zellenspektrums, die technischen Daten der Zellen sowie den Aufbau des Datenblatts. Die Ahnlichkeiten beim Ubergang von einer Designmethode (Gate-Array) zu einer anderen (Standardzellen) bei gleicher Prozestechnologie werden verdeutlicht. Die Besonderheiten beim Ubergang von einer Prozestechnologie (3 μm CMOS) zu einer hoher integrierten (2 μm CMOS) werden aufgezeigt. Die Unterschiede zwischen verschiedenartigen Prozestechnologien (CMOS und ECL) werden dargelegt.