RESEARCH IN VLSI SYSTEMS FOR BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS

该提案的目的是加强生物医学计算 华盛顿大学的资源， 使用超大规模设计和构建专用计算系统 集成电路与系统技术（VLSI）。 我们打算将此应用于 设计独特的功能强大、高效的专业 计算机系统，与生物医学研究人员合作， 无法用传统的计算方法解决他们的问题。 我们 方法是扩展系统的设计和施工方法， 宏模块，以利用商业上的技术进步， 可用的超大规模集成电路部件，如微处理器和存储器，以及改进 在设计定制集成电路和子系统的能力， 可能是计算机设计辅助工具和方法的最新发展 制造经济的原型和少量的集成 电路设计 我们的系统设计方法是基于使用一个 严格定义的模块化概念，以 异步模块，允许轻松设计高度并行的 分布式控制的计算结构。 我们的方法取决于 减少设计和实现专门的 系统通过使用正式的规格说明和设计方法 由广泛的计算机辅助设计过程的支持。 我们打算 最大限度地利用其他大学提供的设计援助计划， 并将我们自己的理论和设计辅助开发工作集中在 异步设计技术。 我们的初步应用研究将 在已经存在强有力合作的研究领域， 华盛顿大学社区。 其中包括Modecular Modeling和 药物设计、临床研究数据库系统、放射治疗 计划、飞行时间断层扫描、相干体建模和超声波 组织表征。 我们希望这些研究将导致 国家合作方案，如以前由 华盛顿大学资源。

The objective of this proposal is to strengthen the Biomedical Computing Resource at Washington University by developing the capability for designing and building specialized computing systems using Very Large Scale Integrated circuit and system technology (VLSI). We intend to apply this capability to the design of uniquely powerful and efficient specialized computing systems, in collaboration with biomedical researchers who are unable to solve their problems with conventional computing approaches. Our approach is to extend the system design and construction methodology of macromodules to take advantage of technical advances in commercially available VLSI parts, such microprocessors and memories, and improvements in the ability to design custom integrated circuits and sub-systems made possible be recent developments in computer design aids and in methods for fabricating economical prototypes and small quantities of integrated circuit designs. Our system design methodology is based upon the use of a rigorously defined concept of modularity, realized in the form of asynchronous modules that permit the easy design of highly parallel computing structures with distributed control. Our approach depends upon reduction of the cost and time required to design and realize specialized systems through the use of formal specification and design methods supported by extensive computer aids to the design process. We intend to make maximum use of design aid programs available from other universities, and to focus our own theory and design aid development efforts on techniques for asynchronous design. Our initial application studies will be in research areas in which strong collaborations already exist within the Washington University community. These include Modecular Modelling and Drug Design, Database Systems for Clinical Research, Radiation Treatment Planning, Time of Flight Tomography, Cochlear Modelling, and Ultrasonic Tissue Characterization. We expect that these studies will lead to national collaborative programs such as those previously undertaken by the Washington University Resource.