The Open SystemC Initiative (OSCI) has released the SystemC Analog/Mixed-signal (AMS) extensions language standard, AMS 1.0. The AMS 1.0 standard is the first modeling language targeting system-level design and verification to describe analog/mixed-signal behavior as natural extension to existing SystemC-based design methodologies.

Designed for use with IEEE Std. 1666-2005, the AMS language standardizes new class libraries, layered on top of the SystemC standard, featuring specialized AMS system-level design and modeling methods. The AMS language reference manual (LRM) introduces new execution semantics for efficient simulation of discrete- and continuous-time behavior, and incorporates updates from the public review conducted in early 2009.
The AMS 1.0 standard is available for download under open-source license at www.systemc.org. The standard includes the requirements specifications, AMS language reference manual (LRM), and a user's guide, a comprehensive manual explaining all fundamentals of the AMS language standard and how to use the extensive set of features for AMS behavioral modeling at the system-level.

"The AMS extensions demonstrate how SystemC further advances with the collaborative effort of semiconductor industry, universities and research institutes," said Eric Lish, OSCI Chairman. "I am delighted that OSCI is in the center of this standardization effort, driving these innovative ESL design methodologies."

The AMS standard was developed by the OSCI AMS working group, with the objective to define a true system-level modeling language as an extension to SystemC. The new class definitions defined by the SystemC AMS extensions are essential to describe AMS systems at different levels of abstraction.

The AMS working group members will continue to promote SystemC and the AMS extensions, and will be providing periodic updates at many workshops, tutorials, and conferences over the course of this year.