Research Institute for Discrete Mathematics
Lecture Course "Chip Design"
Summer Term 2026
Module V4C3 and MA-INF 1202
This course is part of the Master's Programs in Mathematics and Computer Science.
Basic knowledge in combinatorial optimization is required.
Chip design is one of the most interesting application areas of mathematics.
We discuss theory and practice.
Many applications of combinatorial optimization will be shown.
Recent theory, algorithms, and implications of new chip technologies will be discussed.
The course covers topics in Boolean circuit optimization, placement, timing optimization, and routing.
This course is in English.
Many topics and references can also be found in:
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S. Held, B. Korte, D. Rautenbach, J. Vygen:
Combinatorial optimization in VLSI design.
In: "Combinatorial Optimization: Methods and Applications"
(V. Chvátal, ed.), IOS Press, Amsterdam 2011, pp. 33-96
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C.J. Alpert, D.P. Mehta, S.S. Sapatnekar, eds.:
Handbook of Algorithms for VLSI Physical Design Automation.
Taylor and Francis, Boca Raton 2009
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L. Lavagno, I.L. Markov, G. Martin, and L.K. Scheffer, eds.:
Electronic Design Autoimation for IC Implementation, Circuit Design, and Process Technology.
CRC Press, 2nd edition, 2016.
See also here for some links.
The Arithmeum hosts parts the comprehensive 2019 exposition "Mathematics and aesthetics of chip design" and
online videos and games about chip design
.
They help to understand the overall chip design problem and give an impression on some of the problems that we will study mathematically in depth.
| Class Hours: | Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:15–13:45
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| Room: | Gerhard-Konow-Hörsaal (in the Arithmeum building, Lennéstr. 2)
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| Exercise Classes: | two hours per week, t.b.a.
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| Oral exams: | oral, t.b.a.
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Prof. Dr. J. Vygen