ABSTRACT
The field of design automation technology, also commonly called computer-aided design or computer-aided engineering, involves developing computer programs to conduct portions of product design and manufacturing on behalf of the designer. Design entry, also called design capture, is the process of communicating with a design automation system. Design entry involves describing a system design to a design automation system, invoking applications to analyze and/or modify the system design, and querying the results. Design entry mechanisms for electrical and logical abstractions are commonly collectively called schematic capture techniques. Conceptual design addresses the initial decision-making process by assisting the designer to conduct initial feasibility studies, determine promising design alternatives, and obtain preliminary indication of estimated performance. Costly errors can be avoided by investing time at the outset in thoroughly thinking through a particular plan, the result being a more complete and credible specification that better guides the ensuing actions.
