Design methodology for the S/390 parallel enterprise server G4 microprocessors

This paper describes the design methodology employed in the design of the S/390® Parallel Enterprise Server G4 microprocessors. Issues of verifying design metrics of area, power, noise, timing, testability, and functional correctness are discussed within the context of a transistor-level custom design approach. Practical issues of managing the complexity of a 7.8-million-transistor design and encouraging design productivity are introduced.