Automated HDL Parameter Extraction for EDA GUI Generation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In system level design environments, manually hand-coding a graphical user interface for components written in hardware description language (HDL) is time-consuming and inefficient, as it requires designers to manually create interfaces for parameterizing components.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that automatically generate a graphical user interface by creating a text description of the HDL code, parsing it to identify parameters, and presenting them in a GUI, allowing users to enter values without manual coding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a graphical user interface is hand-coded by the designer for each component, then the component can be parameterized in the system level design environment, but the time and effort required for interface development increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically generating the graphical user interface from the HDL code itself. The parameter extraction module parses the HDL code to identify parameters, and the GUI generation module creates the interface automatically, allowing the component to serve its own interface generation needs without external manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary parameter extraction module that acts as a mediator between the HDL code and the GUI generation process. This module parses the HDL code to extract parameter information and passes it to the GUI generation module, automating what would otherwise require manual hand-coding.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a graphical user interface is hand-coded by the designer for each component, then the component can be parameterized in the system level design environment, but the complexity of the design process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically generating the graphical user interface from the HDL code itself. The parameter extraction module parses the HDL code to identify parameters, and the GUI generation module creates the interface automatically, allowing the component to serve its own interface generation needs without external manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary parameter extraction module that acts as a mediator between the HDL code and the GUI generation process. This module parses the HDL code to extract parameter information and passes it to the GUI generation module, automating what would otherwise require manual hand-coding.
3Productivity
If automatic parameter extraction from HDL code is implemented, then the time required for interface development is reduced, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a parameter extraction module that parses HDL code, a parameter identification module that processes extracted information, and a GUI generation module that creates the interface. This segmentation allows each module to handle specific tasks independently, managing complexity through modular architecture while maintaining high productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for managing an electronic design automation tool includes importing a component. A graphical user interface is generated to allow a user to enter values for parameters of the component. Other embodiments are disclosed.