Presenting a systematic description of the structure of the discipline, this book covers fundamentals, history and recent research. Emphasis is placed on both basic techniques, methods and algorithms, as well as on descriptions of existing design tools. Together with the previous volume in the series, this issue is devoted to recent approaches which span the whole design phase. The integrated approach combining system design and VLSI design is also treated in these volumes, suggesting a major trend for the future. As part of the series, it aims to help CAD specialists to obtain a better understanding of the problems in one particular area. At the same time, it should give beginners a solid basis for doing research in areas of VLSI CAD.