The University LSI Design Contest was conceived as a unique program ofASP-DAC Conference. The purpose of the Contest is to encourage educationand research in LSI design, and its realization on chips at universities,and other educational organizations by providing opportunities to presentand discuss innovative and state-of-the-art designs at the conference.

Application areas and types of circuits include(1) Analog and Mixed-Signal Circuits,(2) Digital Signal Processing,(3) Microprocessors, and(4) Custom Application Specific Circuits.Methods or technology used for implementation include(a) Full Custom and Cell-Based LSIs,(b) Gate Arrays, and(c) Field Programmable Devices, including FPGA/PLDs.Actual implementation on real devices is mandatory.

This year, nineteen selected designs from four countries/areas will bedisclosed in Session A1 with a short presentations followed bylive discussions in front of posters.Two out of the nineteen designs are in analog and mixed signal circuits,five designs span applications in digital signal processing,two microprocessor designs, and ten custom application specific circuits.Demonstrations on the achievements will also be made for some of the designs.Opportunities for demonstrations at eD&S Fair 2001 will be providedfor the above designs.

Submitted designs were reviewed by the members of the University DesignContest Committee based on the following criteria:Reliability of design and implementation,Quality of implementation, Performance of the design,Novelty, and Additional Special features.In the selection process, emphasis was placed more on reliability,quality, and performance. As a result, the nineteen designs were selected.Also, we have instituted one outstanding design award and two specialfeature awards.

It is with great pleasure that we acknowledge the contributionsto the Design Contest, and it is our earnest belief thatit will promote and enhance research and education in LSI design inacademic organizations. It is also our hope that many people not onlyin academia but in industry will attend the contest and enjoy thestimulating discussions.

Co-Chairs, University LSI Design Contest Committee

Vice Chair, University LSI Design Contest Committee