Introducing core-based system design

In recent years cores have captured the imagination of designers who understand the potential of using these cells like integrated circuits on a PC board in building on-chip systems. With a rich cell library of predesigned, preverified circuit blocks, cores provide an attractive means to import technology to a system integrator and differentiate products by leveraging intellectual property advantages. Most importantly, core use shortens the time to market for new system designs through design reuse. Practical implementation of this design scenario, however, is fraught with unresolved issues: design methods for building single-chip systems, challenges in test and sign-off for these systems, and intellectual property licensing, protection, and liability. Here, we examine the evolving design flow for microelectronic systems, the market for core cells, and the challenges in using core cells for design, integration, assembly, and test of onchip systems.