Silicon compiler

A silicon compiler is a software system that takes a user's specifications and automatically generates an integrated circuit (IC). The process is sometimes referred to as hardware compilation.

Silicon compilation takes place in three major steps:
* Convert a hardware-description language such as Verilog or VHDL into logic (typically in the form of a "netlist").
* Place equivalent logic gates on the IC. Silicon compilers typically use standard-cell libraries so that they do not have to worry about the actual integrated-circuit layout and can focus on the placement.
* Routing the standard cells together to form the desired logic.

One of the earliest silicon compilers was called Bristle Blocks. [Johannsen, D. L., "Bristle Blocks: A Silicon Compiler," Proceedings 16th Design Automation Conference, 310–313, June 1979.]

References

External links

* [http://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia_term/0,2542,t=silicon+compiler&i=51348,00.asp Definition] from "PC Magazine"
* [http://www.rulabinsky.com/cavd/text/chap04-5.html Computer Aids for VLSI Design by Steven M. Rubin]
* [http://vl.fmnet.info/hwcomp/ Hardware compilation information]
* [http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/hwcomp.html Hardware compilation mailing list]
* Electric (software)