The VLSI-programming language Tangram and its translation into handshake circuits

Abstract

Views VLSI design as a programming activity. VLSI designs are described in the algorithmic programming language Tangram. The paper gives an overview of Tangram, providing sufficient detail to invite the reader to try a small VLSI program himself. Tangram programs can be translated into handshake circuits, networks of elementary components that interact by handshake signaling. The authors have constructed a silicon compiler that automates this translation and converts these handshake circuits into asynchronous circuits and subsequently into VLSI layouts.<>