Modern signal processing algorithms and their corresponding matrix-based operations are computationally demanding and require implementation into application-specific VLSI chips and systems. Since circuits for executing modern signal processing are large and complex, it is necessary to have state-of-the-art tools to design the chips and systems. Understanding the nature of such tools is an important research issue today. The principal investigator is investigating the structure of an advanced silicon compiler dedicated to the design of digital signal processing circuits. He intends to analyze and evaluate different number formats and their finite word-length effects on important signal processing algorithms, and to evaluate architectural tradeoffs needed for efficient VLSI realization. Results are being incorproated into high-level computer-aided-design optimization programs. He is also integrating the system tradeoffs with lower-level silicon assembler tools through an appropriate electronic design database.
