Overview

OpenMAST™ is the open source delivery of the MAST language. MAST is the most widely used hardware description language (HDL) for the design and verification of automotive and aerospace mixed-technology systems. MAST is used by thousands of users and over fifty-thousand models have been created using MAST.

The goals of opening the MAST language are to enable model interoperability between MAST and other standard languages such as VHDL-AMS and Verilog-AMS, the exchange of existing models between multiple vendors, and to facilitate the creation of new tools supporting the MAST language. The largest problem in designing and verifying mixed-technology systems is the availability of quality models. OpenMAST supports languages such as VHDL-AMS by providing access to the existing base of models written in MAST. Providing OpenMAST using the open source model provides the fastest access to this language and drives OpenMAST to an open standard language for the benefit of the user community.

OpenMAST is an intuitive easy-to-learn language that combines the familiarity and strengths of mathematical expressions, event driven processes, and C-like programming constructs, with additional constructs targeted at reliability and robust design verification making it ideal for developing a wide range of systems. OpenMAST accelerates the design and verification of systems with proven support for statistical, parametric, and robust design analyses. Designers describe and verify their systems using OpenMAST and the libraries and tools provided by EDA vendors.

To enable rapid dissemination of information, the following items are provided through a click-through license agreement:

• OpenMAST Language Reference Manual (LRM)
• The Designer’s Guide to Analog & Mixed-Signal Modeling
• OpenMAST Portability Guide
• Reference parser

The community will advance the standard by submitting enhancements to Synopsys, Inc., the managing entity.

OpenMAST provides access to the largest library of available models for mixed-technology design and verification and interoperability between these models and models written in languages such as VHDL-AMS. OpenMAST fosters market expansion for new design and verification solutions and the rapid growth of a global market for innovative, new mixed-technology design and verification solutions.