Bipolar mixed arrays based on a linear and digital macro-cells concept

An innovative mixed A/D arrays family, developed on a high speed, high density bipolar process, is described with emphasis on associated macro-cells library and CAD tool. Development effort has been focused on design tools and methodology in order to ensure a great flexibility and safety in design, key features of the semicustom concept. Components and functions kit-parts availability for bread-boarding, extensive library of digital and analog cells allow the designer to easily and rapidly convert his discrete components based system to silicon. An innovative CAD tool, running on a very low-cost hardware platform (IBM-PC) ensures short design cycle and safety in the design since all design steps are managed by a unique system, from schematic to layout.<>