

===========================================================================
Release Notes for the SystemC AMS extensions 1.0 Standard Kit, March 8 2010
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CONTENTS
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  1) SystemC AMS extensions 1.0 Standard Kit contents
  2) Frequently asked questions


1) SystemC AMS extensions 1.0 Standard Kit contents
===================================================

The AMS 1.0 standard kit contains:
  - Requirements Specification document, version 2.1
  - Standard SystemC AMS extensions Language Reference Manual, version 1.0
  - SystemC AMS extensions User's Guide

  
2) Frequently Asked Questions
===================================================

Q: What is the main reason for defining the SystemC AMS 1.0 standard?

A: The AMS 1.0 standard fulfills the need of the electronics industry to 
   have a standardized system-level modeling language for AMS applications 
   based on SystemC. The AMS standard defines the semantics and language 
   constructs for system-level design and modeling of embedded
   analog/mixed-signal systems at higher levels of abstraction.

Q: How do the SystemC AMS extensions fit into the spectrum with existing 
   hardware description languages?

A: The SystemC AMS extensions focus on the system-level and architecture 
   modeling aspects for AMS systems. By having AMS extensions for SystemC, 
   users can build an executable description of the AMS system in a C++
   based manner, enabling seamless integration with HW/SW architectures 
   in SystemC and functional descriptions in C and C++.

Q: How can the SystemC community interact with the AMS Working Group?

A: The SystemC community members can interact with the AMS Working group 
   by joining the AMS discussion forum. The forum can be used to discuss 
   or ask questions on how to use the new AMS language.

Q: Is there a proof-of-concept simulator available that supports the AMS 
   extensions?

A: The AMS Language Reference Manual, which is part of the AMS standard, 
   is developed to facilitate the creation of new implementations compliant 
   with this new standard. OSCI expects, similar as with the introduction 
   of SystemC, that the industry will support the SystemC AMS extensions 
   over time. Availability of an AMS standard-compliant proof-of-concept 
   simulator will be communicated via the AMS discussion forum.

Q: Does OSCI target the development of an open source proof-of-concept 
   implementation?

A: The main objective of OSCI is to define and advance SystemC as an 
   open-industry standard for system-level modeling, design and verification. 
   OSCI will evaluate all possible options to promote the availability of 
   an open-source proof-of-concept implementation via its member organizations.

Q: I found a simulator called "SystemC-AMS" on www.systemc-ams.org. Is this 
   simulator compatible with the SystemC AMS extensions 1.0 Standard?

A: The website www.systemc-ams.org is not owned and not maintained by OSCI, 
   but by the former study group who explored AMS capabilities in SystemC 
   some years ago. The information available on this website is completely 
   independent from any OSCI publication or release. We recommend you to 
   contact the responsible organization whether such a simulator is 
   compatible with the AMS standard or not.

Q: Not all requirements are covered in the AMS 1.0 standard. What will 
   happen with the remaining items?

A: The AMSWG will continue to improve and enhance the AMS 1.0 standard. 
   The important topics will be considered for future updates, based on 
   prioritization by the AMS woring group in the coming period. Members 
   of OSCI can participate in the AMS working group.

Q: I would like to learn more about the SystemC AMS extensions. Where can 
   I find books, courses, or other training material?

A: The AMS 1.0 standard includes a comprehensive manual explaining all 
   fundamentals of the AMS language and how to use the extensive set of 
   features for AMS behavioral modeling at the system-level. In addition, 
   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. The latest 
   information and material is shared via the public page of the AMS working 
   group.
