Design Challenges for High Performance Microprocessors

November 29, 2000
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Halligan 111
Speaker: Bill Herrick, Director, Alpha Microprocessor Development, Compaq Computer Corporation

Abstract

Advances in semiconductor technology will soon enable multi-GHz microprocessors and present designers with opportunities and challenges. Transistors and interconnect will exhibit new behaviors which must be modeled. Logical and circuit complexity will explode making data management critical. Power distribution and clocking methods must be re-thought. A new generation of synthesizers must be developed and new electrical and timing verification tools must be created.