Transforming VLSI circuit design through artificial intelligence: A review and future outlook

This paper presents a structured review of the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) circuit design. It categorizes key AI techniques across the design flow, surveys industrial implementations, and outlines future research directions. Unlike existing surveys, this work integrates visual flowcharts, comparative performance analyses, and highlights AI's role in enabling self-optimizing, co-design-based Electronic Design Automation (EDA) systems. The integration of AI into VLSI design represents a paradigm shift, enabling faster design space exploration, improved power-performance-area (PPA) trade-offs, and intelligent decision-making in synthesis, placement, routing, and verification. This paper reviews recent advancements and explores challenges and opportunities presented by this convergence. As integrated circuit complexity surges, traditional algorithmic approaches face challenges in delivering optimal performance within time and cost constraints. AI, with its data-driven and adaptive capabilities, enhances human decision-making and accelerates design closure, up to 75% reduction in runtime as observed in Google’s TPU project.

Hence, we can conclude the fusion of AI with VLSI design is revolutionizing the EDA landscape. By enabling intelligent automation, improved optimization, and predictive analysis, AI is poised to address the pressing challenges of modern IC design. Continued research, coupled with open collaboration between academia and industry, will be pivotal in realizing the full potential of this transformation. Deeper integration of AI across the entire chip design lifecycle from specification to silicon, will shape the next generation of electronic systems. AI is set to make chip design not just faster, but smarter and more scalable.

Dr. Yashu Swami is a Professor in the Department of ECE at Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies, Faridabad, India and a Postdoctoral Researcher at the EE Department, IIT Ropar. With a Ph.D. in Nanoelectronics (MNNIT Allahabad, India). He brings over 15 years of academic, research, and industry experience. His expertise spans VLSI, AI integration, and nanoelectronics. Known for leadership, adaptability, and innovative thinking, Dr. Swami is passionate about interdisciplinary collaboration, academic mentorship, and contributing meaningfully to technological advancement.