New Release -- Chipmunk Analog VLSI CAD Tools

[John Lazzaro]

	  Caltech VLSI CAD Tool Distribution -- New Revision	
         ---------------------------------------------------


We are offering to the Internet community a new revision of the
Caltech electronic CAD system for analog VLSI neural networks.  This
distribution contains tools for schematic capture, netlist creation,
and analog and digital simulation (log), IC mask layout, extraction,
and DRC (wol), simple chip compilation (wolcomp), MOSIS fabrication
request generation (mosis), netlist comparison (netcmp), data plotting
(view) and postscript graphics editing (until). These tools were used
exclusively for the design and test of all the integrated circuits
described in Carver Mead's book "Analog VLSI and Neural Systems".
Until was used as the primary tool for figure creation for the book.
The distribution also contains an example of an analog VLSI chip that
was designed and fabricated with these tools, and an example of an
Actel field-programmable gate array design that was simulated and
converted to Actel format with these tools.

These tools are distributed under a license very similar to the GNU
license; the minor changes protect Caltech from liability.

Highlights of the new revision includes:

* Ports to new platforms (Supported platforms now include: Sun SPARC,
  Sun 3, HP Series 300/400/700/800, DEC MIPS-based Ultrix, Appple AU/X,
  linux, and IBM RS/6000 support).

* Support for black and white displays, and resource database support
  for user preferences for sizing and placement of windows. New
  display modes in analog to support small screens.

* Direct generation of SPICE netlists in analog, and new models
  for floating-well FET's, two-terminal devices with arbitrary i-v 
  curves, and quantum-well tunnel diodes. 
 
* Many bug fixes for analog, wol, view, and until, and new features for view.

If you are interested in some or all of these tools, 

1) ftp to hobiecat.cs.caltech.edu on the Internet,
2) log in as anonymous and use your username as the password
3) cd pub/chipmunk
4) copy the file README, that contains more information.

European researchers can access these files through anonymous ftp
using the machine ifi.uio.no in Norway; the files are in the directory
chipmunk.  We are unable to help users who do not have Internet ftp
access.