Specification and validation of information processing systems by process encapsulation and symbolic execution

A process notation based on a functional partitioning of a new system is proposed as a high-level codesign model for specification, evaluation, and implementation purposes. A well-defined computational model allows the synchronization and activation of concurrent processes. The design environment includes the refinement steps from scheduling with dynamic processes via simplified scheduling/execution methods to the complete implementation. The relationship between specified behavioral classes and implemented states in the final core programs is the key issue in this development flow. Time uncritical parts are implemented in a heterogeneous environment communicating via a standard communication protocol. On the other hand, time critical processes and process connections can be implemented in C/sup ++/ using SystemC, thus forming core programs encapsulated in a shell to fit the introduced and implemented activation rules. An example from the world of digital image processing systems illustrates the approach.