Actis Design Delivers New Release of Static C++ Code Analyzer for SystemC 2.1; AccurateC Analyzes SystemC Code Before Compilation, Simulation, Synthesis.

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Actis Design, LLC, today began shipping the latest version of its static C++ code analyzer for SystemC, the first software tool used in the SystemC code development flow.

Where previous versions were used post compilation, AccurateC(TM) Release 2.4 now analyzes SystemC code prior to compilation, simulation or synthesis, and offers designers the ability to analyze either one module or the entire SystemC design. Designed to increase productivity by analyzing code prior to complicated downstream processes, AccurateC enforces coding guidelines for high-quality, maintainable code while simplifying debugging with code correction hints for every rule violation.

Says Joan Bartlett, president of Actis Design: "Way too often, design teams complain that getting started with SystemC is far more complicated than it should be. AccurateC is easier to use than a C++ compiler, plus it gives users feedback on their design in terms of SystemC methodology specifics."

AccurateC Static C++ Code Analysis for SystemC

The latest version of AccurateC provides source code analysis and debug capabilities to maximize the power of C/C++ for hardware design. Integrated into a SystemC-based flow, it identifies syntax, semantic and style errors in C/C++ code prior to compilation, simulation and synthesis. This is made possible through its more than 1,000 individual C++ syntax rule checks and 200 SystemC-specific rule checks.

It promotes consistent coding standards across design teams for readable and maintainable code, and reuse and modification in future projects. It shows syntax and semantic coding errors where they occur in the design code, not in obscure library or system files as compilers do. For designing hardware, connectivity errors within a netlist are identified, the code is reviewed against modeling guidelines for synthesis, and a full set of good coding style checks are included. A Forte Cynthesizer ruleset is also included.

For more powerful analysis, AccurateC provides a C++ Application Programming Interface (API) for user-defined rules to ensure code compliance to unique project requirements, and enables the creation of design-ready SystemC code for any type of hardware project.

Supporting SystemC 2.1 and the transaction-level modeling (TLM) coding style, AccurateC offers the option of using a graphical user interface (GUI) or command line for interactive or batch mode debugging. Report generation is user configurable. To review and analyze results, it includes multiple filtering options that let designers select specific types and categories of rule violation to display. Each violation is accompanied by a complete description and is linked to a specific line of code to simplify its correction. And, in contrast to C++ compilers, AccurateC processes the entire design, even if errors are found in the first file. A handy Code Consultant feature is included that recommends ways to correct common SystemC rule violations.

Pricing and Availability

AccurateC is shipping today and supports Sun Microsystems and Linux operating systems. Pricing starts at $7,500 for a one-year technology subscription license (TSL).

More information on AccurateC can be found at: http://www.actisdesign.com, or send email to [e-mail]. Or, contact Joan Bartlett at [phone] or email her at [e-mail].

About Actis Design

Actis Design was formed in 2001 as a spin-off of the software product and consulting services businesses of Willamette HDL. It provides software tools and methods to enhance SystemC- and hardware description language (HDL)-based hardware designs. Its software suite includes AccurateC(TM) and Ten Minute Tutor(TM) (TMT), a computer-based training program that teaches Verilog HDL and VHDL. Actis Design provides a wide range of consulting services to both EDA product suppliers and consumers. Corporate headquarters is located at 515 NW Saltzman Road, Suite 775, Portland, Ore. 97229. Telephone: [phone]. Facsimile: [phone]. Email: [e-mail]. Online information is found at its website: http://www.actisdesign.com.

AccurateC and Ten Minute Tutor are trademarks of Actis Design. Other products and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.