[sv-cc] Mantis item 1456 DPI context calls and utilities

There is a new Mantis item, number 1456, that tries to address various

concerns about DPI context calls.  

 

The proposed changes attempt the following:

 

. Clarify the meaning of F.5.5's remark about what must have context.

 

. Define what a context 'call chain' is, so we can state that once 

  a call chain with context is entered, a succession of C-only calls

  retains the context characteristic.  This makes it clear that the 

  utilities can be called not only by the original context import,
itself,

  but also by the C functions/tasks that it calls before a return to 

  the SystemVerilog side potentially changes the context situation.

 

. Instead of stating that it is erroneous for non-context call chains 

  to invoke DPI scope utilities, the text now says that the utilities'
behavior

  is undefined under such circumstances.  This keeps us within the
restrictions 

  of what we can forbid or not, as well as gives vendors maximum
flexibility.

 

 

Thanks for any time spent on these matters,

Ralph

 

 

Ralph Duncan

Mentor Graphics

San Jose CA