Project CONSOLE: hierarchical physical design partitioning

Most embodiments of electronic systems require the efficient interconnection and packaging of circuits into a physical design considering many constraints to optimise system performance, costs, manufacturing methods and implementation space. System producers are constantly seeking gains in productivity to improve time-to-market delivery of new, quality products. Project CONSOLE is specifically designed to deliver significant gains in productivity in the area of physical circuit layout. It seeks to achieve this by addressing the complex problems of physical hierarchy within a system design, Hierarchy and system partitioning at the logical level is well understood. Implementing these concepts at the physical level within system or Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design presents significant problems to be overcome. This paper describes the objectives of the Project and the results achieved so far. It details the considerable exploitation potential and explains how the benefits of co-operative Research and Development has led to an earlier time-to-market for this CAD tool.