The ADAM design planning engine

A novel paradigm for managing the digital process is presented. Under this paradigm, design is seen as a process in which abstract models of design tools are applied to abstract models of design states in a simulated or planning space, until a sequence of design tasks has been constructed to completion. Important parameters of the hypothetical design represented by the terminal states are then estimated. Either the planning is then repeated, or the sequence, or plan, is then executed, or carried out, in an execution space. This execution is monitored for violation of expectations; if violations occur, control is returned to the planner. The knowledge base of the planner is populated with register-transfer level (RTL) concepts for digital system design; it can also be populated with other knowledge sets. The planner forms part of the USC advanced design automation (ADAM) system