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To: dhellman who wrote (59507)	10/21/2001 8:45:21 AM
From: combjelly	Respond to of 275872

"Wouldn't a design tape out several times before it's ready for manufacture? " Often. With the simulators they use today, first silicon is usually pretty functional, and sometimes has even been 100% functional, I think Intel did that with the initial 486. But even then, they will often do another spin or two to tighten things up.

To: dhellman who wrote (59507)	10/21/2001 9:44:26 AM
From: Bill Jackson	Respond to of 275872

Dave, The first tape out may not work at all or may not be optimal, so it may take several iterations before it makes 'gold' and can be shipped. In fact often they ship parts and then find errors and have recalls. Intel is famous for this. In addition they can refine a working chip and then come out with an improved chip that is faster. cooler etc. Often the biggest problems are what is called 'hotspots' on the chip. This is an area on the chip that has a little too much activity for it's own good and so it gets a little hotter than other areas. As it gets too hot is can stall...stopping the chip, and thus they have to limit the speed at which the run the chip. Retape it to cool down the hotspot and the chip will run faster and they keep doing this every few months until they reach the design limits on that layout. Then a new one comes alone or a new chip comes along. Bill