A Database Approach to Communication in VLSI Design
Gio Wederhold, Anne F. Beetem, Garrett E. Short · IEEE Transactions on Computer-Aided Design of Integrated Circuits and Systems · 1982
This paper describes recent and planned work at Stanford University in applying database technology to the problems of VLSI design. In particular, it addresses the issue of communication within a design's different representations and hierarchical levels in a multiple designer environment. We demonstrate the heretofore questioned utility of using commercial database systems, at least while developing a versatile, flexible, and generally efficient model and its associated communication paths. Completed work and results from initial work using DEC DBMS-20 is presented, including macroexpansion within the database, and signaling of changes to higher structural levels. Considerable discussion regarding overall philosophy for continued work is also included.