Automatically updating technology dependent information in design automation

Computer-aided design (CAD) tools throughout a design automation (DA) system, from low level physical design to high level resource allocation and scheduling tools, require information about the fabrication technology in order to make design decisions. Technology dependent information is maintained in technology files. As fabrication technologies evolve, these files must be updated to reflect the capabilities of the current fabrication process technology. Currently, the task of updating technology files is performed manually and often prone to error and inconsistencies. A system for the automatic updating of technology dependent information in a design automation system is presented. The technology information required by the CAD tools throughout a design automation system are consistent since they are all derived from a common source. >