We base our approach to the design of complex logic ICs on four premis
es: Design of a chip's abstract architecture-its major components, the
ir tasks, and their intercommunication-should precede definition of it
s functionality. Graphics is ideal for representing abstract architect
ures; text is better for functionality. The designer should not have t
o translate graphical information into text. Graphical and textual des
ign capture can be integrated with synthesis.