The ‘Node’ User-interface

When traversing the tree, the user will interact with the object model solely through the simplified interface provided by the Node object.

Even though the Component class reference tree is an accurate representation of the compiled SystemRDL, it is cumbersome to use since all references are in the top-down direction (parent –> child). This makes upward traversal impossible for certain queries (absolute address, full path, etc):

                    /---> comp_X
                    |
top_comp --> comp_A[*] --> comp_B --> comp_C

The Node is an overlay class that is bound to each instance as the design is traversed hierarchically. Lineage of the node overlay is maintained in the bottom-up direction which completes bi-directional linking. The node overlay also provides current array index information so that references to specific instances are unambiguous:

                    /---> comp_X
                    |
top_comp --> comp_A[*] --> comp_B --> comp_C
    |           |             |          |
top_node <-- node_A[3] <-- node_B <-- node_C
                    ^
                    \---- node_X

Direct RDL property access

Use the following method to lookup the value:

result = node.get_property('my_prop')

get_property is implemented roughly as follows:

• Is it in the component’s property dictionary?

  • if so, return the value

• Otherwise, Is it even a valid property of this component type?

• Return the default value as specified by the rulebook

• If the rulebook contains <TBD> as the default, then a more dynamic resolution needs to be made