IEEE 1685 Standard for IP Blocks
The IEEE approved the new IEEE 1685 standard (Standard for IP-XACT, Standard Structure for Packaging, Integrating and Re-Using IP Within Tool-Flows). IEEE 1685 will enable the creation and exchange of Intellectual Property blocks in a highly automated design environment. Until now there has been no standard description of IP blocks, which has made their use both difficult and prone to error. The IEEE 1685 standard will help solve this problem.
The new standard describes an XML Schema for meta-data documenting Intellectual Property (IP) used in the development, implementation and verification of electronic systems, and an Application Programming Interface (API) to provide tool access to the meta-data.
The schema defined in IEEE 1685 provides a standard method to document IP that is compatible with automated integration techniques. The API provides a standard method for linking tools into a System Development framework, enabling a more flexible, optimized development environment. The intent is that tools compliant with this standard will be able to interpret, configure, integrate and manipulate IP blocks that comply with the proposed IP meta-data description.
IEEE 1685 was developed within the IEEE Standards Association Corporate Program in which each participating member entity (such as corporations or other institutions) has one vote. This industry-oriented program often allows for standards creation in one to two years, depending on participant commitment and the use of IEEE support services. The program also provides a route to international acceptance for a standard based on the IEEE’s broad ties to the international standards community.
More information: IEEE Standards Association
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