Program Transtormations for VLSI

Abstract

VLSI design can be modelled as a series of transformations leading from a high -level formal specification to a concrete implementation . Automating such transformations offers a way to improve the reliability of the design process while reducing its cost. This paper addresses the portion of the design process that converts abstract algorithms into functional-level circuits (collections of primitive computational elements and their interconnections) . By defining an isomorphism between such circuits and a highly restricted subset of programs. we can apply source-to-source program transformation methodology to the problem of mapping algorithms into circuits. This methodology has been implemented in a system that has successfully rederived much of the design of a published VLSI graphics display processor.