RE: [sv-cc] 'Scalar' term for SV function results, etc.

Although Verilog did define scalar differently than in other use, it
retained the meaning of a contrast to vector.

 

And it actually has a logic to it. If you visualize a vector as a line,
as in elementary physics or in elementary computer graphics, then a
scalar is a point. Apply that to computer storage, and a vector is a
string (line) of bits, whereas a scalar is a single bit.

 

Shalom

 

________________________________

From: Ralph Duncan [mailto:RDuncan@CloudShield.com] 
Sent: Monday, June 04, 2007 6:51 PM
To: Bresticker, Shalom; Stickley, John; SV-CC
Subject: RE: [sv-cc] 'Scalar' term for SV function results, etc.

 

Shalom,

 

1. The intent certainly is to distinguish a single value from
aggregate/composite values.

2. Despite the original, non-vector meaning, common use of 'scalar' does
seem to mean single value:

        http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scalar_%28computing%29

3. The SV definition of 'scalar' as 1-bit wide is in 6.8.

4. String appears to be included because we are indicating the pointer
to the string, rather than the string, itself.

5. 'Singular' seems reasonable; the only obvious alternative is to spell
out that it's not 

    an aggregate or composite (e.g., array, vector, structure).

 

Does anyone some memorable and snappy alternative?

 

Ralph 

	-----Original Message-----
	From: owner-sv-cc@server.eda.org
[mailto:owner-sv-cc@server.eda.org]On Behalf Of Bresticker, Shalom
	Sent: Monday, June 04, 2007 7:09 AM
	To: Stickley, John; SV-CC
	Subject: RE: [sv-cc] import/export function result types

	In SV, a scalar is a one-bit value. "Singular" would be closer.

	 

	Shalom

	 

	
________________________________


	From: Stickley, John [mailto:john_stickley@mentor.com] 
	Sent: Monday, June 04, 2007 5:03 PM
	To: Bresticker, Shalom; SV-CC
	Subject: RE: [sv-cc] import/export function result types

	 

	A possible replacement for this term is "scalar values".
	
	That is the term used in VHDL and is probably less vague.
	
	-- johnS
	
	
	-----Original Message-----
	From: owner-sv-cc@server.eda.org on behalf of Bresticker, Shalom
	Sent: Mon 6/4/2007 5:30 AM
	To: SV-CC
	Subject: [sv-cc] import/export function result types
	
	 
	
	Hi,
	
	In Draft 3, 34.2.2 says,
	
	A rich subset of SystemVerilog data types is allowed
	
	for formal arguments of import and export functions, although
with some
	restrictions and with some notational
	
	extensions. Function result types are restricted to small
values,
	however (see 34.5.5).
	
	and 34.5.5 has a similar statement and details the exact
restrictions.
	
	However the phrase "small values" sounds strange.
	
	In what way are real, longint, and string 'small', for example?
	
	Thanks,
	
	Shalom
	
	
	
	Shalom Bresticker
	
	Intel Jerusalem LAD DA
	
	+972 2 589-6852
	
	+972 54 721-1033
	
	
	
	
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