ABSTRACT
The field of design automation (DA) technology, also commonly called computer-aided design (CAD) or
computer-aided engineering (CAE), involves developing computer programs to conduct portions of product
design and manufacturing on behalf of the designer. Competitive pressures to produce more efficiently new
generations of products having improved function and performance are motivating the growing importance of
DA. The increasing complexities of microelectronic technology, shown in Figure 12.1, illustrate the importance
of relegating portions of product development to computer automation (Barbe, 1980).
