Abstract: A method for deriving a functional circuit description that is independent of pre-charge node values, the functional circuit description IS a transformation of an initial structural circuit description having pre-chargeable nodes. The method includes identifying the pre-chargeable nodes in initial structural circuit description. The pre-chargeable nodes have a logic value that is dependent upon an associated pre-charge clock. Pre-charge nodes value associated with the pre-chargeable nodes are then determined and then the functional circuit description that is independent of pre-charge node values is derived.

Abstract: A method for deriving a hierarchical functional description of a circuit by creating a hierarchical model of the circuit from the initial hardware description (100), the hierarchical model having at least one boundary connection coupling hierarchical levels of the model. Signal flow conflicts at each boundary connection are then analyszd (101) which includes flattening (205) instances of the hierarchical model where signal flow conflicts are identified thereby transforming the hierarchical model into a signal flow conflict free hierarchical model. A hierarchical functional description of the circuit is then derived (102) from the signal flow conflict free hierarchical model.

Abstract: A method for deriving a hierarchical functional description of a circuit by creating a hierarchical model of the circuit from the initial hardware description (100), the hierarchical model having at least one boundary connection coupling hierarchical levels of the model. Signal flow conflicts at each boundary connection are then analysed (101) which includes flattening (205) instances of the hierarchical model where signal flow conflicts are identified thereby transforming the hierarchical model into a signal flow conflict free hierarchical model. A hierarchical functional description of the circuit is then derived (102) from the signal flow conflict free hierarchical model.