Wave+: An easy-to-use vector generation language for compilers

The authors describe a high-level test vector description language, Wave+, that is specially tailored to the development of vector generators for ASIC (application-specific integrated-circuit) cell compilers. The motivation for such a language is described, along with special problems inherent in compiled cells, which may have variable function and port configuration. Various features of the language, including its abstract transition-oriented and block-oriented vector model and its control structures, are described. The advantages of the language including its simplicity and intuitiveness, which make it easy to use, for compiler design engineers with little software expertise are summarized. >