Abstract: Layout data about a core part of a predesigned microcontroller such as a CPU block obtained by custom layout design, and logical data about a peripheral part of the microcontroller are read out from a library of components. These layout and logical data are reused for the layout design of a new microcontroller. The peripheral part logical data is modified according to circuit information about the new microcontroller. Layout data about a peripheral part of the new microcontroller is generated by an automatic placement/wire routing tool from the modified logical data. The core part layout data is simply reused as is for a core part of the new microcontroller. Layout data about the entire new microcontroller is generated by a block-to-block automatic placement/wire routing tool from layout data about individual circuit blocks.

Abstract: An improved LSI design automation system includes: an input unit, a circuit component storage unit, a circuit component selection unit, a design method decision unit, a design process unit, and a component entry unit. The input unit receives LSI function and performance information as a requirements specification and LSI component configuration information. The circuit component storage unit collectively stores a circuit data item, design method information items, and performance information items, as a circuit component. The circuit component selection unit selects a circuit component from the circuit component storage unit for implementation of a desired circuit. The design method decision unit selects an optimum design method information item from the design method information items held by each circuit component. The design process unit generates, modifies, and evaluates a circuit.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a functional block realizing at least part of a function of the semiconductor integrated circuit. The functional block includes a plurality of basic cells and a plurality of terminal cells. Each of the plurality of terminal cells has a connector for mediating a communication between another semiconductor integrated circuit and one of the plurality of basic cells.

Abstract: To achieve an LSI automated design satisfying a required function and a required performance with the reuse of existing design data, there are disposed: library element memory means for storing, in the form of elements, existing design data (circuit data) together with design procedures (conversion information) thereof; element arrangement entering means for entering an element arrangement for achieving the desired function; library element specializing means for determining the functions of general-purpose elements; element synthesizing means for synthesizing an element having one function in which the functions of the elements are combined with one another; design data memory means for storing a variety of data; conversion instruction entering means for entering a design target level; conversion method selecting means for selecting a method of converting the elements to the target level, based on information relating to the design procedure of each of the elements; and design data converting means for execu