Running SIS

This page provides basic information on running SIS. Unfortunately, SIS can only run under Linux environment. You can install and run SIS on a Linux machine, either your own or a lab machine. Also, you can ssh to a lab machine, which has a Linux environment (see below). Make sure you have read the webpage on getting started with SIS 1.3 before proceeding on to the rest of this page.

Running SIS on Linux machines

SIS is included in the SIS 1.3 installation . If you have installed SIS 1.3 and set up the proper environment on your Linux machine for homework #1 already, you are all set to go.

Running SIS on Windows machines

Unfortunately there is no SIS for Windows. If you want to run the tool from your Windows machine, you will need to ssh a Linux machine and run the tool remotely. Follow the steps (a, b, c, d) below.

a. Download an SSH client such as putty to log in to CS/CLIC machines or VLSI/Embedded Systems Lab machines.

b. FTP the SIS1.3 Installation package to the remote machine using Winscp.

c. Copy the package to the remote machine via FTP in some directory say for example "sis1.3"

d. Untar the SIS1.3 Installation in the directory and you are all set to go.  

Running SIS on CS or CLIC machines

SIS is included in the SIS 1.3 installation. If you have already installed SIS in your CS account (same as Homework #1) then you are all set to go. Otherwise, follow the steps (a, b) below.

a. If you have a CS account, log in to a CS or CLIC LINUX machine (i.e. ssh to 'clic.cs.columbia.edu' or 'clic-lab.cs.columbia.edu' or 'compute.cs.columbia.edu'. Do NOT ssh to 'cluster.cs.columbia.edu'. Those are SUN machines. )

b. Download the SIS1.3 Installation, store it in some directory say for example "sis1.3", then untar the zip file in this directory and you are all set to go.

Running SIS on VLSI or Embedded System Lab machines

SIS is included in the SIS 1.3 installation. If you can log in to machines in VLSI or Embedded System lab, you may run SIS on those machines. Follow the steps (a, b) below.

a. Log in or ssh to a machine in VLSI or Embedded System lab.

b. Download the SIS1.3 Installation, store it in some directory say for example "sis1.3", untar the zip file in this directory and you are all set to go.

Important Notes While Running SIS

• To start SIS, go to "~sis1.3/bin/" directory and type "./sis". You should see the "SIS>" prompt on your screen.
• Always use 'absolute' paths when you are providing a <filename>. Do not use relative paths. For example, to specify the path of a file present in the sis directory in your home directory, use "/home/<your username>/sis1.3/sis/<filename>" instead of saying "../sis/<filename>" .
• The Mini-project refers to a script called "rugged.script". This script file can be found in the following path "~/sis1.3/sis/sis_lib" where sis1.3 is the installation directory. Remember to use a complete path when you specify the filename.
• Type "quit" to exit SIS.

Documentation

• BLIF format documentation (optional) (HTML, PS)
• SIS Man Page (optional). This provides information on various SIS commands. See this to know more about 'command' usage. Note that the 'help' command in SIS does not work.