In this paper we present an enhanced design flow model that increases the capabilities of a CAD framework to support design activities on hierarchical multi-view design descriptions. This flow model offers new constructs for the configuration of complex design constraints in terms of conditions on the hierarchical multi-view structure of a design. The design flow management system enforces these constraints and uses them to inform the designer more effectively about the validity of verification results and the executability of tools. This helps to make the design process less error prone and to improve productivity. Our solution is original in that we introduce the notions of design hierarchy and equivalence in a design flow model. We thereby bridge a gap between the areas of data management and design flow management. Strong points of our solution are its simplicity and the seamless integration with existing flow management concepts.
Pieter van der Wolf, K. Olav ten Bosch, Alfred van