The CENTER design optimization system.

CENTER is a UNIX(TM) based software system used to optimize integrated circuit designs and semiconductor device technologies. Its novel architecture and interface mechanisms allow rapid linking to both arbitrary simulators that define a particular design problem and to existing optimization software. This drastically reduces the time and effort required to solve individual design optimization problems. The architecture allows easy integration of sampling, approximation and statistical design modules, and enables high-level tasks to be developed using the low-level modules as building blocks. For example, efficient near-optimal design can be achieved by sequentically applying sampling, approximation and optimization modules. In this memorandum, we detail the functionality and architecture of CENTER and give examples of its use for design optimization.