SOFTWARE DESIGN METHODS AND REPRESENTATIONS - Software Design for Six-Sigma: A Roadmap for Excellence - page 96

4.5.7 Comparison of Models of Computation

A comparison of various MOCs is presented by Bosman et al. (2003), and Cortes
et al. (2002). Each author compares the MOCs according to certain criteria. Table
4.3 compares the MOCs discussed above based on the work done by Cortes et al.,
(2002), and Bosman et al., (2003).

4.6 PLATFORM-BASED DESIGN

Platform-based design was defined by Bailey et al., (2005, p. 150) as “an integra-
tion oriented design approach emphasizing systematic reuse, for developing complex
products based upon platforms and compatible hardware and software virtual compo-
nent, intended to reduce development risks, costs, and time to market.” Platform-based
design has been defined 29 as an all-encompassing intellectual framework in which
scientific research, design tool development, and design practices can be embedded
and justified. Platform-based design lays the foundation for developing economically
feasible design flows because it is a structured methodology that theoretically limits
the space of exploration, yet still achieves superior results in the fixed time constraints
of the design. 30

4.6.1 Platform-based Design Advantages
Some advantages of using the platform-based design method are as follows 31 :

It provides a systematic method for identifying the hand-off points in the design
phase.
It eliminates costly design iterations because it fosters design reuse at all ab-
straction levels of a system design. This will allow the design of any product by
assembling and configuring platform components in a rapid and reliable fashion.
It provides an intellectual framework for the complete electronic design process.

4.6.2 Platform-based Design Principles

The basic principles of platform-based design are as follows:

1. Looking at the design as a meeting-in-the-middle phase, where iterative deriva-
tions of specifications phase meet with abstractions of possible implementa-
tions.
2. Identifying layers where the interface between specification and implementa-
tion phases takes place. These layers of are called platforms. 32

29 www1.cs.columbia.edu/

∼ luca/research/pbdes.pdf.

30 www1.cs.columbia.edu/

∼ luca/research/pbdes.pdf.

31 www1.cs.columbia.edu/

∼ luca/research/pbdes.pdf.

32 www1.cs.columbia.edu/

∼ luca/research/pbdes.pdf.