A higher level of synthesis (CAD)

Software tools that simplify the design automation process, going far beyond schematic capture, permitting a higher-level design, and helping engineers conceptualize the design as well as implement it, are examined. Classified as design synthesis systems, these tools can operate at several levels of abstraction. The processes that take place at each of these levels are described. The roles of hardware description languages, top-down design, and synthesis for testability are discussed.<>