The Nato Advanced Study Institute on "Computer Design Aids for VLSI
Circuits" was held from July 21 to August 1, 1980 at Sogesta, Urbino,
Italy. Sixty-three carefully chosen profes- sionals were invited to
participate in this institute together with 12 lecturers and 7
assistants. The 63 participants were selected from a group of almost 140
applicants. Each had the background to learn effectively the set of
computer IC design aids which were presented. Each also had individual
expertise in at least one of the topics of the Institute. The Institute
was designed to provide hands-on type of experience rather than
consisting of solely lecture and discussion. Each morning, detailed
presentations were made concerning the critical algorithms that are used
in the various types of computer IC design aids. Each afternoon a
lengthy period was used to provide the participants with direct access
to the computer programs. In addition to using the programs, the
individual could, if his expertise was sufficient, make modifications of
and extensions to the programs, or establish limitations of these
present aids. The interest in this hands-on activity was very high and
many participants worked with the programs every free hour. The editors
would like to thank the Direction of SOGESTA for the excellent
facilities, 1r. R. Riccioni of the SOGESTA Computer Center and Mr. 11.
Vanzi of the University of Genova for enabling all the programs to run
smoothly on the set date. P.Antognetti D.O.Pederson Urbino, Summer 1980.