Hardware description and specification languages

ACT permits the specification and description of circuits at multiple levels of abstraction. These languages are embedded into ACT as sub-languages. These sub-languages can be used to specify circuits in a variety of ways and at different levels of abstraction. Some sub-languages are only useful when combined with others.

• Production rules: gate-level and transistor-level circuit specification
• Communicating hardware processes: a programming language for describing hardware
• Handshaking expansions: an intermediate form between CHP and PRS.

• Specifications
• Gate sizing directives
• Design refinement