VLSI is an important area of electronic and computer engineering. This is an introduction for senior undergraduates, postgraduates and anyone starting work in the field of CAD for VLSI. It covers all aspects of physical design, together with such related fields as automatic cell generation, silicon compilation, layout editors and compaction. A problem-solving approach is adopted and each solution is illustrated with examples. Each topic is treated in a standard format, covering problem definition, cost functions and constraints, possible approaches and latest developments. The book deals with all aspects of VLSI physical design, from partitioning and floorplanning to layout generation and silicon compilation; provides a comprehensive treatment of most of the popular algorithms; covers developments and gives a bibliography for further research; and offers fully-described examples, problems and programming exercises.