THE VIENNESE INTEGRATED SYSTEM FOR TECHNOLOGY CAD APPLICATIONS

Modem technology CAD systems consist of several simulation tools and a so-called technology CAD framework for tool integration and tool deve lopment. We discuss the general requirements for such a TCAD framework . From a review of existing TCAD systems with an emphasis on software aspects, we deduce general architectural guidelines. Bearing these in mind, we motivate our ideas, concepts and choices for the data level, the user interface and the task level of VISTA, the Viennese integrate d System for Technology-CAD Applications. The resulting structures and implementations of these three major parts of VISTA are then describe d, and a brief overview of integrated tools and future activities is g iven.