a web - based integrated circuit design system , method and computer program product tool allows design engineers to utilize a well - understood graphical interface to access a wealth of data and services . the services and data include competing standard architectures and reference designs . the integrated circuit design tool allows users to efficiently design cores and systems - on - a - chip . the integrated circuit design tool is a “ virtual lab ” which allows and aides design engineers at every stage of ic product design — architecture choice , implementation options , software development , and hardware design .