Automatic generation of systemc models from component-based designs for early design validation and performance analysis

In this paper we present an approach of generating SystemC executable models from software designs captured in a new component-based modeling language, COLA, which follows the paradigm of synchronous dataflow. COLA has rigorous semantics and specification mechanisms. Due to its well-founded semantics, it is possible to establish an integrated development process, the artifacts of which can be formally reasoned about and are dealt with in automated tools such as model checkers and code generators. However, the resulting models remain abstract and cannot be executed immediately. Therefor SystemC offers executable models of a component-based flavor. Establishing an automated translation procedure from COLA to SystemC thus allows for design validation and performance analysis during early design phases. We have validated our approach on a case study taken from the automotive domain.