VLSI Layout Design and Digital Simulation with Microsoftr Excel: Basics, Concepts, Methods

A variety of VLSI design simulation software packages are available. These software packages are based on Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Electrical Design Automation (EDA) tools. These software packages provide the design, functional simulation, physical layout and design testing before a chip can be manufactured. The objective of this book is to develop a VLSI design simulation software that has familiar and easier user interface and as good as other leading software packages but less expensive. We compared the various features of VLSI simulation software offered by the leading software packages in the industry. This effort is quite novel. Microsoft® Excel has capability of performing arithmetic and logical calculations and it has a power of logical decision making. We started with very simple tasks using Microsoft® Excel’s built in tools (objects) such as charts and graphs, Auto-Shapes, spreadsheet interface and advanced tools like macros and VBA. VBA (Visual Basic for Application), a programming language based on Visual Basic, makes Microsoft® Excel a powerful candidate for using it as a tool for VLSI Design simulation.

Abdurrahman Arif holds MS Degree in Computer Engineering from Wayne State University, Michigan, and MBA from Pittsburg State University, Kansas. He received B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from NED University of Engg. & Tech., Pakistan. He works as a software engineer in the field of Test & Measurement and Instrumentation & control.