Magic is an interactive system for creating and modifying VLSI
circuit layouts. It is used to design basic cells and to combine
them hierarchically into large structures.
Magic understands quite a bit about the nature of circuits. It has
built-in knowledge of layout rules; during editing, it continuously
checks for rule violations. Magic also knows about connectivity and
transistors, and contains a built-in hierarchical circuit extractor.
It has a plow operation that permits to stretch or compact cells.
Lastly, Magic has routing tools to make the circuit interconnections.
Magic is based on the Mead-Conway style of design: it uses simplified
design rules and circuit structures that make it easier layout drawing
and permit Magic to provide powerful assistance, at the cost of
slightly less dense circuits.
From Alessandro De Laurenzis; thanks!
ok sthen@
