Measuring HDL-based design productivity: an experimental comparison

Two process models for top-down HDL-based design are developed in order to measure HDL-based design productivity. A sorting algorithm is used as a benchmark to experience various design activities in HDL entry and mixed entry design process models. We measure the effort (time) required for each design activity and analyze the "effort-distribution" over various design activities. We also discuss the resources that are essential to perform each design activity. These experiments the applicability of "effort-distribution analysis" to enhance design productivity in real life design projects.