THE MODELERS ASSISTANT - A CAD TOOL FOR BEHAVIORAL-MODEL DEVELOPMENT

The major difficulty in using HDL's to represent design information is that model preparation is a labor intensive task. Also, with VHDL, the large number of possible modeling approaches can lead to models that are unstructured and difficult to understand. In order for HDL's to be used effectively, systematic techniques for model creation must be developed. Some techniques for decreasing the time required to create a HDL model include: providing a means of partial graphical entry of the model; providing the modeler with a library of common, user-definable primitives; and supporting a well-defined modeling style. A CAD tool called Modeler's Assistant that utilizes these techniques to allow rapid development of VHDL behavioral models will be discussed.