Standard SystemC AMS Extensions 1.0
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OSCI has released the AMS 1.0 Standard introducing system-level design and modeling of embedded Analog/Mixed-Signal (AMS) systems using SystemC AMS extensions. The AMS 1.0 Standard was developed by the OSCI AMS working group and provides unique capabilities for the design and modeling of embedded analog/mixed-signal applications at various levels of design abstraction. The SystemC AMS extensions define a uniform and standardized modeling approach that can be used in combination with digitally-oriented ESL design methods, supporting a design refinement methodology for functional modeling, architecture exploration, and virtual prototyping of embedded analog/mixed-signal systems.
OSCI Publications on the SystemC AMS Extensions
In June 2008, OSCI revealed the proposed extensions for embedded AMS applications in SystemC, including the publication of a whitepaper.
In February 2009, AMS Working Group chairman Martin Barnasconi provided a viewpoint on the SystemC AMS extensions.
Download the AMS 1.0 Standard
The AMS 1.0 standard includes the requirements specification, the AMS Language Reference Manual (LRM), and the User's Guide, a comprehensive manual explaining all fundamentals of the AMS language standard and how to use the extensive set of features for AMS behavioral modeling at the system level.
The kit is now available for download. Access to the kit is subject to the terms of the OSCI Open Source License.
SystemC users, system architects, ESL tool developers and AMS engineers are encouraged to start interacting with the AMS working group using the public AMS discussion forum. Members of OSCI can participate in the AMS working group, which will continue to advance the AMS standard, addressing important topics for future releases.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the main reason for defining the SystemC AMS 1.0 standard?
- How do the SystemC AMS extensions fit into the spectrum with existing hardware description languages?
- How can the SystemC community interact with the AMS working group?
- Is there a proof-of-concept simulator available that supports the AMS extensions?
- Does OSCI target the development of an open source proof-of-concept implementation?
- I found a simulator called "SystemC-AMS" on www.systemc-ams.org. Is this simulator compatible with the SystemC AMS extensions 1.0 Standard?
- Why doesn't the downloadable kit contain any header files or other source files? Where can I get such files?
- Not all requirements are covered in the AMS 1.0 standard. What will happen with the remaining items?
- I would like to learn more about the SystemC AMS extensions. Where can I find books, courses, or other training materials?
What is the main reason for defining the SystemC AMS 1.0 standard?
The AMS 1.0 standard fulfills the need of the electronics industry to have a standardized system-level modeling language for AMS applications based on SystemC. The AMS standard defines the semantics and language constructs for system-level design and modeling of embedded analog/mixed-signal systems at higher levels of abstraction.
How do the SystemC AMS extensions fit into the spectrum with existing hardware description languages?
The SystemC AMS extensions focus on the system-level and architecture modeling aspects for AMS systems. By having AMS extensions for SystemC, users can build an executable description of the AMS system in a C++ based manner, enabling seamless integration with HW/SW architectures in SystemC and functional descriptions in C and C++.
How can the SystemC community interact with the AMS working group?
The SystemC community members can interact with the AMS working group by joining the AMS discussion forum. The forum can be used to discuss or ask questions on how to use the new AMS language.
Is there a proof-of-concept simulator available that supports the AMS extensions?
The AMS Language Reference Manual, which is part of the AMS standard, is developed to facilitate the creation of new implementations compliant with this new standard. Similar to the introduction of SystemC, OSCI expects that the industry will support the SystemC AMS extensions over time. Availability of an AMS standard-compliant proof-of-concept simulator will be communicated via the AMS discussion forum.
Does OSCI target the development of an open source proof-of-concept implementation?
The main objective of OSCI is to define and advance SystemC as an open-industry standard for system-level modeling, design and verification. OSCI will evaluate all possible options to promote the availability of an open-source proof-of-concept implementation via its member organizations.
I found a simulator called "SystemC-AMS" on www.systemc-ams.org. Is this simulator compatible with the SystemC AMS extensions 1.0 Standard?
The website www.systemc-ams.org is not owned and not maintained by OSCI, but by the former study group who explored AMS capabilities in SystemC some years ago. The information available on this website is completely independent from any OSCI publication or release. We recommend you to contact the responsible organization to discuss whether such a simulator is compatible with the AMS standard.
Why doesn't the downloadable kit contain any header files or other source files? Where can I get such files?
The OSCI standard consists of the requirements specification, LRM, and User's Guide; it does not include an implementation. It is expected that a number of implementations, including commercial and open-source, will become available over time. One such implementation is described in a recent press release from the Fraunhofer Institut for Integrated Circuits.
Not all requirements are covered in the AMS 1.0 standard. What will happen with the remaining items?
The AMSWG will continue to improve and enhance the AMS 1.0 standard. The important topics will be considered for future updates, based on prioritization by the AMS working group in the coming period. Members of OSCI can participate in the AMS working group.
I would like to learn more about the SystemC AMS extensions. Where can I find books, courses, or other training materials?
The AMS 1.0 standard includes a comprehensive manual explaining all fundamentals of the AMS language and how to use the extensive set of features for AMS behavioral modeling at the system level. In addition, the AMS working group members will continue to promote SystemC and the AMS extensions, and will be providing periodic updates at many workshops, tutorials, and conferences over the course of this year. The latest information and material is shared via the public page of the AMS working group.