Method and apparatus for functional level data interface

Abstract

The functional design of logical circuits is represented using different types of functional components. The unification of the database and the interface permits the unification of functional design automation tools. These functional components are a data transfer component, an external pin component, a register component, a terminal component, a constant component, a function component, a memory component, a submodule component, a state machine component, and a logical expression component. An HDL (Hardware Description Language) file containing functional operation descriptions or functional design data is input, and the input functional data is assigned to each functional component stored in a functional component library through a functional component assignment process. The functional data records assigned by functional component are written into a function database by means of corresponding write sections provided in a functional data input interface. The functional data records stored in the function database are read out through corresponding read sections provided in a functional data output interface, whereby arbitrary design tool data is generated at a function level by means of a functional data generation process.