A systemC-based modular design and verification framework for C-model reuse in a HW/SW-codesign design flow

Rising the level of abstraction in system modelling allows early verification of the system functionality, reducing the risk of long redesign cycles. Moving to a new flow introducing systemC as SDL allows the reuse of existing high-level C-models. A framework is presented that allows C-model integration and the connection of modules located at different levels of abstraction without the need to implement the communication or introduce adaptors to translate between the abstraction levels. The focus of the approach lies on high acceptance by the designers coming from a C and HDL based top-down design methodology.