Abstract: A method of and apparatus for graph partitioning involving the use of a plurality of eigenvectors of the Laplacian matrix of the graph of the problem for which load balancing is desired. The invention is particularly useful for optimizing parallel computer processing of a problem and for minimizing total pathway lengths of integrated circuits in the design stage.

Abstract: A programmable integrated circuit includes configurable logic blocks (CLB's), configurable input/output blocks (IOB's) and a configurable interconnect network for providing program-defined routing of signals between the CLB's and IOB's. Each CLB includes a lookup table having inputs and outputs, a first multiplexer means for applying a selected subset of CLB input signals to the lookup table inputs, and a second multiplexer means for routing lookup table output signals to selectable destinations. The first multiplexer means can programmably route input signals to the lookup table inputs from a variety of sources including first through fourth direct-connect receiving terminals distributed symmetrically about the CLB, first through fourth longline receiving terminals distributed symmetrically about the CLB, first through fourth general-interconnect receiving terminals distributed symmetrically about the CLB, and first through fourth feedback means distributed symmetrically within the CLB.

Abstract: In a printed circuit board having a plural number of conductor layers separated by a plural number of insulator layers, a Faraday cage is constructed including a first and a second ground plane disposed in a first and second conductor layer respectively. The ground planes being electrically interconnected at their peripheries, preferably by a plurality of vias. A third conductor layer is disposed between the first and second conductor layers in which a plurality of signal paths are defined. The Faraday cage surrounds a shielded portion of the third conductor layer so that electrical signals conducted through the shielded portion are isolated from electrical noise.

Abstract: A programmable integrated circuit includes configurable logic blocks (CLB's), configurable input/output blocks (IOB's) and a configurable interconnect network for providing program-defined routing of signals between the CLB's and IOB's. Each CLB includes a plurality of function lookup tables (LUT's) each defined by a bit storage area and a select means responsive to input signals for selecting a stored bit. The design includes first and second LUT's that share a same plurality of input signals where the output of one of the LUT's is connectable by direct connect means to an input of a further pair of LUT's.

Abstract: A data processing device includes a data bus and a program bus, a data memory connected to the data bus and having data memory locations, and an electronic computation unit connected to the data bus and an accumulator connected to the electronic computation unit and to the data bus. A logic circuit is connected to the program bus for receiving instructions and connected to the data bus for executing logic operations in accordance with at least some of the instructions. The logic operations affect bits in at least one of the data memory locations independently of the electronic computation unit without affecting the accumulator. A control circuit sends instructions to the logic circuit on the program bus and to the electronic computation unit. Other devices, systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Input of only circuit configuration data of datapath section cells constructing datapath section leads to an automatic determination of configurations at cell level of peripheral circuit corresponding to the datapath section for subsequent determinations of the layout of datapath circuit layout from configuration data and netlists of the peripheral circuit, the datapath section cells and the standard cells. It is not necessary to prepare the peripheral circuit function descriptive library according to the configuration data of the datapath sections. This facilitates the creation of the layout of the datapath circuit and reduces the necessary time for creating the same because all the descriptive levels may be unified to the cell level.

Abstract: A test vector generator system (157) and method for generating test vectors for testing integrated circuit speed paths involves accessing both a circuit model (160) and a list of circuit paths (162). A single circuit path, referred to as a selected path, is selected from the paths (162), and a set of logic value constraints are set for logic devices in the selected circuit path. These logical constraints are set to ensure that a proper input-to-output transition, which is used to identify speed path faults, results in response to only two clock cycles. Once logical constraints are set, hazard-free logical values and logical values for both the second test clock cycle and the first test clock cycle are justified. Test vectors are generated in response to the justified values and the test vectors are serially shifted and double-clocked in an integrated circuit or electrical circuit manufactured in accordance with circuit model (160) to determine time delay path faults.

Abstract: A data processing device includes a data bus and a program bus, a data memory connected to the data bus and having data memory locations, and an electronic computation unit connected to the data bus and an accumulator connected to the electronic computation unit and to the data bus. A logic circuit is connected to the program bus for receiving instructions and connected to the data bus for executing logic operations in accordance with at least some of the instructions. The logic operations affect bits in at least one of the data memory locations independently of the electronic computation unit without affecting the accumulator. A control circuit sends instructions to the logic circuit on the program bus and to the electronic computation unit. Other devices, systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A data processing device includes a data bus and a program bus, a data memory connected to the data bus and having data memory locations, and an electronic computation unit connected to the data bus and an accumulator connected to the electronic computation unit and to the data bus. A logic circuit is connected to the program bus for receiving instructions and connected to the data bus for executing logic operations in accordance with at least some of the instructions. The logic operations affect bits in at least one of the data memory locations independently of the electronic computation unit without affecting the accumulator. A control circuit sends instructions to the logic circuit on the program bus and to the electronic computation unit. Other devices, systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A data processing device includes a data bus and a program bus, a data memory connected to the data bus and having data memory locations, and an electronic computation unit connected to the data bus and an accumulator connected to the electronic computation unit and to the data bus. A logic circuit is connected to the program bus for receiving instructions and connected to the data bus for executing logic operations in accordance with at least some of the instructions. The logic operations affect bits in at least one of the data memory locations independently of the electronic computation unit without affecting the accumulator. A control circuit sends instructions to the logic circuit on the program bus and to the electronic computation unit. Other devices, systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for designing and making an RF transformer has been provided. The method utilizes a model for an RF transformer wherein the model has parameters that directly relate to a physical construction of the components of the transformer, namely, a core and a twisted wire. The method separates the core from the twisted wire so that characteristics of each can be separately determined. These determined characteristics are then optimized and used to design and make a transformer.

Abstract: An automatic logic-model generation system operates on a behavioral description of an electronic design (e.g., a circuit, a system, etc.) to automatically generate a low-level (i.e., circuit-level) design of the electronic design, to lay out the electronic design for production in the form of an integrated circuit, and to produce logic-level models incorporating accurate timing (and delay) information. A verification process is also performed whereby the logic-level model is automatically verified for accuracy.

Abstract: A methodology for generating structural descriptions of complex digital devices from high-level descriptions and specifications using a systematic technique to map and enforce consistency of the semantics imbedded in the intent of the original, high-level descriptions. The design activity is essentially a series of transformations operating upon various levels of design representations. At each level, the intended meaning (semantics) and formal software manipulations are captured to derive a more detailed level describing hardware meeting the design goals. Important features of the methodology are: capturing the users concepts, intent, specification, descriptions, constraints and trade-offs; architectural partitioning; what-if analysis at a high level; sizing estimation; timing estimation; architectural trade-off; conceptual design with implementation estimation; and timing closure.

Abstract: A logic circuit diagram editor system is used for editing a logic circuit diagram displayed on a CAD system. When a terminal is selected, the logical connection is determined for that terminal with respect to another terminal that is selected. When it is determined that the selected terminals are not the same, the user can input a signal name to be used in common for both terminals. Upon entry of the signal name, the system sets a logical connection between the selected terminals and stores the connection information in memory. If it is determined that an obstruction exists between the selected terminals, or if it is determined that the terminals are on separate pages of a multi-page logic circuit diagram, then each terminal is displayed with the signal name in its vicinity, but the terminals are not shown on the screen to be diagrammatically connected. Also, if a circuit exists between the terminals, then no connection is drawn between them and the terminals are respectively labeled with the signal name.

Abstract: A system for modeling and estimating crosstalk noise and detecting false logic is provided. The noise is caused by culprit signal nets that are in a switching state and affect a victim net which is in a non-switching (DC) steady state. This estimated noise is evaluated against a predetermined threshold to determine whether any false logic results in the victim net.

Abstract: A method for producing a circuit layout comprising the steps of establishing high-level input parameters which identify input/output characteristics and high-level functional parameters of a data path, inputting the input parameters to a compiler, the compiler performing steps of creating a data path netlist by selecting data path components in response to the established high-level input parameters; and automatically selecting control logic for the data path components. The data path netlist is a high-level netlist of Boolean logic which can then easily be translated into a gate level implementation of the circuit layout.

Abstract: A system, capable of determining an engine abnormality, is disclosed. The engine includes a first regulator for controlling air fuel ratio and a second regulator for controlling the purging amount of fuel vapor into an air-intake passage from a fuel tank. The variance in the purging amount effects the air fuel ratio. An engine control unit computes a parameter value used to control the air fuel ratio based on a signal from a detector which detects the operational condition of the engine, and controls the first regulator with the computed parameter value to allow the operational condition of the engine to approach a requested condition. A determining apparatus determines that an abnormality has occurred in the engine when the parameter value computed by the control unit continuously deviates from a predetermined numerical range for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A methodology for generating structural descriptions of complex digital devices from high-level descriptions and specifications is disclosed. The methodology uses a systematic technique to map and enforce consistency of the semantics imbedded in the intent of the original, high-level descriptions. The design activity is essentially a series of transformations operating upon various levels of design representations. At each level, the intended meaning (semantics) and formal software manipulations are captured to derive a more detailed level describing hardware meeting the design goals. Important features of the methodology are: capturing the users concepts, intent, specification, descriptions, constraints and trade-offs; architectural partitioning; what-if analysis at a high level; sizing estimation; timing estimation; architectural trade-off; conceptual design with implementation estimation; and timing closure.

Abstract: A method for producing a circuit layout comprising the steps of establishing high-level input parameters which identify input/output characteristics and high-level functional parameters of a data path, inputting the input parameters to a compiler, the compiler performing steps of creating a data path netlist by selecting data path components in response to the established high-level input parameters; and automatically selecting control logic for the data path components. The data path netlist is a high-level netlist of Boolean logic which can then easily be translated into a gate level implementation of the circuit layout.

Abstract: A technique for hierarchical display of control and dataflow graphs allowing a user to view hierarchically filtered control and dataflow information related to a design. The technique employs information inherent in the design description and information derived from design synthesis to identify "modules" of the design and design hierarchy. The user can specify a level of detail to be displayed for any design element or group of design elements. Any CDFG (control and dataflow graph) object can be "annotated" with a visual attribute or with text to indicate information about the design elements represented by the object. For example, block size, interior color, border color, line thickness, line style, etc., can be used to convey quantitative or qualitative information about a CDFG object. Examples of information which can be used to "annotate" objects include power dissipation, propagation delay, the number of HDL statement represented, circuit area, number of logic gates, etc.