The design of modern systems is a complex process that must address many functional, performance and physical implementation constraints. Because of advances in silicon technology, which allow integration of more devices in a single chip, there is a growing gap between the complexity of the design and the designer's ability to grasp the complete behavior required from the design. This makes it even more complex to design the system accordingly. The need to grasp the increasing complexity of designs and verify that the design meets all its requirements as early as possible, leads to the use of abstract models in all stages of design. Abstract models have many uses, such as specifications for lower levels, engines for performance modeling and functional verification.
Experts consider modeling the answer to the increasing complexity of systems.
In our quest for quality, we bring a new set of rules to the game. The high-level modeling activity defines a new methodology, addressing the increasing complexity in processor and ASIC design. We study new concepts, specify needs for languages and tools, and shape the discipline that will guide the design of future complex hardware systems. We focus on finding efficient ways to test full systems before they are assembled.