Application of model driven architecture design methodologies to mixed-signal system design projects
J.S. Fisher · OhioLink ETD Center (Ohio Library and Information Network) · 2006
Mixed-signal system design is a complex task with many levels of deliverables, including layout, schematics, simulation results, functional models, design specifications, and process design kits.The ability to create mixed-signal design content has lagged behind digital design for decades, largely because the digital methodology has been able to make efficient use of design abstraction and implementation automation.In this work, we argue that such abstraction methods are a form of a model driven architecture (MDA) process, which could be applied to mixed-signal design at a number of levels to create the next generation of mixed-signal design flow.To illuminate this point, we have created a novel translation engine to generate deliverable content in an automated manner from an abstraction of the desired content.We show two implementations of this MDA process.One is the creation of a process design kit (PDK) for mixed-signal electronic design automation (EDA) toolsets.As the element that interfaces the EDA toolset with the fabrication process, the construction of the PDK fills a critical role in the design process.The time-saving enhancements added to the PDK improve design efficiency and decrease time-tomarket (TTM).However, creating the proper PDK files to implement various enhancements is a time-consuming task.We propose a novel method in which these John Sheridan Fisher and Steven B. Bibyk, "Design Methods For System-On-A-Chip Control CODECs To Enhance Performance And Reuse," Proceedings of the