Processor Description Languages

Preface

Today, computing devices are seamlessly weaved into the fabric of our everyday

lives. We encounter two types of such computing devices: desktop-based comput-

ing devices and embedded computer systems. Desktop-based computing systems

encompass traditional computers,including personal computers,notebook comput-

ers, workstations, and ser vers. Embedded computer systems are ubiquitous—they

run the computing devices hidden inside a vast array of everyday products and appli-

ances such as cell phones,toys,handheld PDAs,cameras,and microwave ovens. Cars

are full of them,as are airplanes,satellites,and advanced military and medical equip-

ments. As applications grow increasingly complex, so do the complexities of the

embedded computing devices. Both ...