OMI-a standard model interface for IP delivery

The Open Model Forum (OMF) industry consortium has developed a simulator-independent and HDL-independent interface between an EDA tool such as a simulator and a "black box" model of a block of intellectual property. This interface, called the Open Model Interface (OMI), allows interoperable models to be developed, distributed and used with any compliant tool without exposing the internal structure or operation of the model. An IEEE effort was recently launched to begin the process of standardizing OMI. The need for OMI is motivated, expected usage scenarios are discussed, and an overview of the technical solution is presented.