Modeling and design of digital electronic systems

The paper is concerned with the modern methodologies for holistic modelling of electronic systems enabling system-on-chip design. The method deals with the functional modelling of complete electronic systems using the behavioral features of Hardware Description Languages or high level languages then targeting programmable devices — mainly Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) — for the rapid prototyping of digital electronic controllers. This approach offers major advantages such as: a unique modelling and evaluation environment for complete power systems, the same environment is used for the rapid prototyping of the digital controller, fast design development, short time to market, a CAD platform independent model, reusability of the model/design, generation of valuable IP, high level hardware/software partitioning of the design is enabled, Concurrent Engineering basic rules (unique EDA environment and common design database) are fulfilled. The recent evolution of such design methodologies is marked through references to case studies of electronic system modelling, simulation, controller design and implementation. Pointers for future trends / evolution of electronic design strategies and tools are given.