Virtual prototyping of embedded DSP systems
The Rapid Prototyping of Application Specific Signal Processors (RASSP) program initiated by the Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) has proposed a design process that is based on a new design methodology called Virtual Prototyping, wherein VHDL models of hardware components are integrated with application, control and diagnostic software to rapidly prototype complex embedded DSP systems. This paper discusses this new methodology, and compares the RASSP process with current design practice (circa 1993).