Using C based logic synthesis to bridge the productivity gap

Digital circuits from software designs and formal executable specifications can be automatically synthesized using hardware compilation or 'C based logic synthesis'. Designs can be verified using that same formal specification and coupled with the increasing deployment of higher-level C based languages and IP reuse in hardware design and system codesign, C based logic synthesis is enabling new methodologies and levels of designer productivity. We discuss the rationale for such a synthesis approach, the required semantics and compilation technology and offer a contrast with RTL synthesis. Design examples are used to provide case studies of practical experience.