0 - Introduction

Summary

This book is about the design of digital VLSI circuits. Whereas LSI circuits perform basic functions such as multiplication, control, storage, and digital-to-analog conversion, VLSI circuits contain complex compositions of these basic functions. In many cases all data and signal processing in a professional or consumer system can be integrated on a few square centimeters of silicon. Examples of such “systems on silicon” can be found in:

• Disc (CD) players,

• Disc Interactive (CDI) players,

• Compact Cassette (DCC) players,

• Audio Broadcast (DAB) receivers,

• radios and mobile telephones,

• High-Definition TeleVision (HDTV) sets,

• video recorders,

• processors,

• car-navigation systems,

• processors, and

• test and measurement systems.

These systems generally process analog as well as digital signals, but the digital circuits dominate the surface of an IC. The memory needed for storing intermediate results often covers a significant fraction of the silicon area.

Systems on silicon are tending to become more complex and are tending to increase in number. The increase in complexity follows from advances in VLSI technology, and the rapid growth of the number of transistors integrated on a single IC. The constant reduction of the costs of integration makes integration economically attractive for an increasing number of systems. Also, the rapid succession of generations of a single product increases the pressure on design time. The ability to integrate systems on silicon effectively, efficiently, and quickly has thus become a key factor in the global competition in both consumer and professional electronic products.