Modeling and Description of Processor-Based Systems with DTMSII

Abstract

The aim of this new hardware description language, Descriptive Techniques for Modules and Systems II (DTMSII), is to enhance mixed level descriptions and multilevel modeling of interconnected digital systems [1][2][3]. The focus in DTMSII is on the description of the functional behavior of digital modules coupled with a detailed description of module interactions. Processor and related modules can be described at a high level of abstraction wherein the hardware details internal to the module are suppressed. On the other hand, module interconnection structures and interactions among the modules are carefully detailed at a low level of abstraction. DTMSII has powerful constructs to specify nonprocedural actions, serial and parallel updates, and zero and nonzero time delays. An almost unlimited amount of parallelism is possible in DTMSII. Both synchronous and asynchronous operations can be specified. Important language features and constructs are illustrated in the description of an M6800 microprocessor system. Quite different examples studied by the authors are available in the references.