Automated Technology Mapping

Logic “mapping,” or “transformation,” refers to the process of converting a logic design from one form of specification to another. The output is usually a specific technology implementation and the input could range from a previous technology implementation to a high-level design language. Motivated initially by the problem of test case generation for new technologies, a logic transformation system, known as the Technology Mapping System (TMS), was developed. This system has focused on the problem of technology-to-technology mapping involving gate array or standard cell logic families. TMS makes use of an intermediate notation, called GLN, and uses several forms of “rules” to control the mapping process. This paper discusses the history and general operation of TMS, and makes a comparison of transformations from different types of sources.