Overview

Computer-Aided Design and Test Sciences (CADTS) provides research leadership in electronic design automation by making available leading-edge university research results, tools and materials for the design and test of advanced electronic circuits and systems. Its mission is to strengthen GRC member leadership by promoting diverse university research in computer-aided design and test. CADTS researchers work to:

1. support the design of systems of greatly increased complexity, which include reused IP, significant analog and mixed signal function, and innovative circuit designs
2. address the increasing interaction between different levels of design, the greater influence of interconnect and power considerations, and the increased difficulty of test at higher speed
3. maintain and improve levels of design productivity, correctness, testability, signal integrity, manufacturability, and reliability through innovative tools and methods

Research Focus

Research projects in the CADTS Science Area are broken down into three primary thrust areas.

VERIFICATION

Research in Design Verification includes basic model checking, processor verification, hybrid methods, asynchronous system verification, and coverage analysis. Design verification needs of GRC members also include tools for system level and architectural verification, hybrid techniques, and improved model checking.

TEST & TESTABILITY

Researchers in Test and Testability work to develop crosstalk fault models, low-cost self test, analog/mixed signal test, defect diagnosis, and SOC test time reduction. Test and testability needs of GRC members include the development of test for mixed signal, BIST, embedded cores, and signal integrity.

LOGIC & PHYSICAL DESIGN

Research work in Logic Design includes logic synthesis of system-on-chip design, embedded software, library optimization, logic design with layout, and tools for power estimation. Logic design needs of GRC members include synthesis for increased complexity, physical and electrical issues, and analog/mixed signal. Researchers in Physical Design work to develop optimization algorithms, interconnect modeling, wire-size optimization, power/ground design and analog layout synthesis. Physical design needs of GRC members also include synthesis and interconnect planning and estimation; and physical design for analog, RF, and mixed-signal.

Science Area Management

Science Area Director

William Joyner

Science Area Coordinating Committee

The CADTS SACC works with the Science Area Director to develop the annual Strategic and Operations Plans, solicit and evaluate university research proposals based on needs documents developed by member task forces, conduct periodic reviews of sponsored university research, and sponsor technical reviews and transfer courses for members and university participants.

Technical Advisory Boards

The TABs in Verification, Test & Testability, and Logic & Physical Design assist in solicitations and evaluating work in these areas.