L.K. Alberts

Structuring design knowledge on the basis of generic components

A framework is proposed for describing design as a synthesis process, based on generic components at different levels of abstraction. These levels range from the system level to the physical level and represent the technical vocabularies used to describe the design. The resulting framework is used for structuring the knowledge needed to execute a design. Furthermore, the possibility of using generic components as basic building blocks for constructing higher-level concepts, in particular design prototypes, is discussed. The approach is illustrated with examples from the field of bridge design.

A knowledge-based approach to VLSI-design in an open CAD-environment

A knowledge-based approach is suggested to assist a designer in the increasingly complex task of generating VLSI-chips from abstract, high-level specifications of the system. The complexity of designing VLSI-circuits has reached a level where computer-based assistance has become indispensable. Not all of the design tasks allow for algorithmic solutions. AI technique can be used, in order to support the designer with computer-aided tools for tasks not suited for algorithmic approaches. The approach described in this paper is based upon the underlying characteristics of VLSI design processes in general, comprising all stages of the design. A universal model is presented, accompanied with a recording method for the acquisition of design knowledge - strategic and task-specific - in terms of the design actions involved and their effects on the design itself. This method is illustrated by a simple design example: the implementation of the logical EXOR-component. Finally suggestions are made for obtaining a universally usable architecture of a knowledge-based system for VLSI-design.

A MULTI-LEVEL PRIMITIVE GENERIC COMPONENTS MODEL

We suggest regarding the entire design process from conceptual design to physical realisation as a synthesis process on the basis of primitive generic components (PGCs). These components are grouped together at different levels of abstraction, called technology-layers after the available technological ‘vocabularies’ that they represent. A hierarchical framework for a product centered description of the design process is thus obtained. The PGCs represent the technical principles in a design domain. As such, these components provide for a universal vocabulary for describing design processes of technical systems, ranging from VLSI-chips to buildings, and the design knowledge involved. This allows for a systematic approach to the development of knowledge-based design systems, as opposed to more ‘ad-hoc’ natured approaches. Furthermore, a uniform description of different design processes allows for comparison, on the basis of which more general design knowledge or principles may be obtained.