Representing the hardware design process by a common data schema

An open, extensible, administrative data schema that is based on electronic design interchange format (EDIF) is presented. The schema closely reflects the hardware design process. Thus, it enables the realization of central design management services. The use of a common schema implemented with the help of an object management system allows the integrated tools to share the data covered by this schema during runtime. Hence, online consistency management is supported.<
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