Language Conversion Preserving Data Dependency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Highly integrated and complex semiconductor integrated circuits face challenges in efficiently converting algorithm descriptions from abstract program languages like C into system-level descriptions that can express hardware-specific concepts such as time and parallel processing, leading to increased development man-hours and errors due to immature code analysis tools and manual bridging techniques.
Innovation Solution
A language conversion method that preserves data dependency by generating a data dependency preservation description, allowing for automatic conversion of algorithm descriptions into system-level descriptions, which reflects previous evaluations and verifications, reducing the need for repeated analysis and debugging across different languages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual conversion is used to bridge algorithm description to system level description, then flexibility and control are improved, but development man-hours and error rates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces code analysis tools as an intermediary between the algorithm description and system level description. These tools automatically analyze the C language code, extract data dependencies, and generate the corresponding SystemC code, eliminating the need for manual conversion while maintaining accuracy through automated verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of code conversion with an automated computational system. The code analysis tools perform automatic syntax analysis, semantic analysis, and code generation, substituting human manual work with machine-based automation that reduces errors and increases productivity.
2Manufacturing precision
If code analysis tools are used to verify equivalence, then conversion accuracy is improved, but tool maturity and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where code analysis tools continuously verify the equivalence between algorithm descriptions and system level descriptions. The tools analyze data dependencies, control flows, and functional behaviors, providing feedback to ensure conversion accuracy while improving reliability through iterative verification and validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary code analysis and verification before the actual conversion process. By analyzing the algorithm description upfront, extracting data dependencies, and preparing verification criteria in advance, the system ensures accurate conversion while building reliability through pre-validation of the source code structure and semantics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual rewriting is performed for bridging, then adaptability to hardware concepts is improved, but error introduction and verification complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual rewriting with automated code transformation systems that handle the adaptation to hardware concepts. The system automatically introduces hardware-specific constructs such as clocks, processes, and data types in SystemC, maintaining adaptability while eliminating manual errors and reducing verification complexity through automated equivalence checking.
Data Source
AI summary
A language conversion method includes a first process in which a computer unit inputs algorithm description data describing an algorithm of hardware under a predetermined description constraint using a program description language, a second process in which the computer unit inputs hardware element specification data specifying parameters representing hardware elements included in the algorithm description data, and a third process in which the computer unit converts the algorithm description data into data of a hardware model based on a system level description language, wherein, in the third process, the computer unit generates a data dependency preservation description which preserves, in the hardware model, data dependency in the algorithm description with regard to a parameter specified in the hardware element specification data.