Conclusions

Abstract

The goal of this research has been to create algorithms to synthesize power distribution suitable for the analog portions of analog and mixed-signal ASICs. In the course of the preceding chapters, we identified the need for such algorithms to automate the design of analog power distribution. Then, given the lack of any existing analog or digital power distribution synthesis methods, we framed analog design concerns in the context of previous power bus synthesis methods and found substantial physical design, optimization, electrical modeling, and electrical evaluation deficiencies. Next, we formulated new algorithms to address these deficiencies and demonstrated their effectiveness via a software implementation called RAIL. The goal of this book has been to collect and clarify the nuances and subtleties of mixed-signal power distribution design, present them in a coherent way, and describe a complete synthesis strategy to attack these important problems. We hope that have made the book accessible to both the designers who face these power distribution problems in real life, and to CAD tool developers who must implement RAIL-like strategies to improve the productivity of these designers and the likelihood of first-silicon success of these very challenging designs. In this chapter, we summarize our work, highlight the contributions of our research, and outline future directions that we project in this research area.