Rugby: A Meta-Model to Study Concepts in Electronic System Design

We propose a conceptual framework, called the Rugby Model, in which designs, design processes and design tools can be studied. The model has similar objectives as the well known Y chart [1] but its scope is extended to handle designs and design processes required for complex systems requiring concurrent processes and mixed HW/SW implementation. The Rugby model has four domains, namely, Computation, Communication, Data and Time. The behavioural domain of the Y chart is replaced with more restricted computation domain. The structural and physical domain of the Y chart are merged into a more generic domain called Communication. The new domains Data and Time have become necessary to model data abstractions used at various levels of design, and to explicitly model timing constraints at various levels inions used at various levels of design, and to explicitly model timing constraints at various levels in the design process, respectively. We show that the Rugby model is able to represent mixed HW/SW designs and design processes for HW/SW codesign at various levels of abstraction. It not only can represent state-ofthe-art of current electronic systems and electronic system design automation, but it also points to gaps in the availability of tools and methodologies for designing complex system.