ABSTRACT
A system is a collection of interdependent operational components that together accomplish a complex task. Examples of systems range from cellular phones to camcorders to satellites. Projections point to a continuous increase in the complexity of systems in the coming years. The term system, when used in the digital design domain, connotesmany different entities. A system can
consist of a processor, memory, and input=output, all on a single integrated circuit (IC), or can consist of a network of processors, geographically distributed, all performing a specific application. There can be a single clock, with modules communicating synchronously and multiple clocks with asynchronous communication or entirely asynchronous operation. The design can be general purpose, or specific to a given application, i.e., application-specific. The above variations together constitute the system style. System style selection is determined to a great extent by the physical technologies used, the environment in which the system operates, designer experience, and corporate culture, and is not automated to any great extent.
