Question

Explain the difference between logical and physical design when it comes to system design.

Please be specific with examples.

Answer 1

Answer:-----------

Logical Design vs Physical Design:----------

Logical Design:------------

• Logic design involves converting architecture specification into a high level functional design using some kind of language - rtl, verilog, vhdl etc. you would use functional blocks like memory, adders, flops etc along with logical operations like AND, XOR. You need to verify that the design meets the functionality expected.
• Logic Design means Front-end Design- Based on specification provided, functionalities are created at RTL level abstraction to meet all the requirements. Generally Uses Gated logic. It is basically coding of digital design.

Physical Design:----------

• Physical designer converts the logic design into gates, transistors level design and eventually convert it to a layout. It will involve synthesis, custom circuit design, timing, reliability, floorplan, place and route and finally get it ready for a tape out.
• Physical Design means Back-end Design- After ligic design and front end verification, in order to tape-out, the RTL abstraction is converted in form of transistors. They need to be optimised for low area, power and quality. This is physical or say analog design.