Advanced computer-based techniques for simulation and design of high-speed microelectronic systems

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The current trend towards higher operating speeds and more complex designs demands essential changes in simulation and optimization of high-speed microelectronic systems and modules.  High-speed interconnects introduce numerous signal degradations which are currently recognized to be among the dominant factors limiting the overall performance of microelectronic systems.  In addition, the trend towards low power consumption and increased integration of analog circuits with digital blocks has further complicated the design and analysis process. Also, traditional and artificial boundaries between different design disciplines such as electrical, thermal and mechanical are fast vanishing.  Furthermore, the system performance both in nominal and in extreme operating conditions must be simulated at an early stage of the design, in order to choose design strategies and solutions that lead to cost-effective and reliable products. To cope with these new requirements, coordinated research activities spanning various design domains are proposed with the goal of developing a new generation of advanced computer-aided design methodologies and algorithms to manage the fast growing complexity of high-speed microelectronic systems. The research objectives are focused on generic strategic issues that are common to the majority of high-speed applications. Specifically, the following three interrelated subprojects will be the main focus of the proposed research activities:   a) Modeling and simulation of high-speed circuits and interconnects.   b) Parallel algorithms and high-performance computing.   c) Mixed-domain applications. The proposed multidisciplinary tools and methodologies are targeted towards a wide range of physical implementation levels. In addition, particular emphasis will be given to development of efficient strategies for transferring the new design techniques and tools to the industrial user community.