The SYCO silicon compiler

International audienceThe principles of SYCO are explained and its characteristics compared with those of earlier behavioural, architectural, logical and physical compilers. The architecture of the circuits generated is described, and compilation algorithms are presented for the overall architecture, the checking and operative portions, and mask generation. An optimisation tool (ARTS) devised as an aid to the search for the best area/speed compromise is presented. Developments under way are related to usability of circuit libraries provided by existing CAD environments, and unified online/offline test techniques for critical applications with circuits detecting faults in the course of their operation