GOSSIP-a generic system for statistical circuit design

A new system called GOSSIP (generic optimization system for statistical improvement of performance) is described. GOSSIP can be considered as a new framework for optimal circuit design. It has several useful features, such as flexibility of combining various solution methods, scaling algorithms, circuit analyzers, etc. Two important design methodologies implemented in GOSSIP are described, based on a generalized least squares approach combined with designer aspiration levels and a generalized (in a fuzzy set sense) statistical design centering approach. A design example for a VLSI CMOS building block is given.<>