A Synthesis Framework for Automatic Transformation and Optimization of Hardware Structures

: This thesis describes a framework for implementing and evaluating ideas on how to use Extended Timed Petri Nets (ETPN) to synthesize hardware systems. The systems are specified by high-level behaviour descriptions. Such a description is transformed into an ETPN representing a possible design of the system. The design is then improved using transformation and analysis procedures guided by an optimization algorithm. Eventually the ETPN is mapped into a register-transfer level design which forms output of the synthesis process. A generic nonpersistent database is used to represent all relevant information. A module library stores information on hardware modules used for implementing the resulting design. Packages for operating on the ETPN abstraction are provided. Much emphasis has been put on modularization. As a test case, a synthesis system, complete with analyses, transformations and a optimization algorithm, has been implemented using the framework. Keywords: Petri nets, design re..