3.4.2 The Tool-Flow

The tool-flow is a linear sequence of so called tools. Generally speaking, a tool is a generic representation of a simulation tool which is controlled by its command line, and several textual input decks. The command line as well as the input decks are represented by textual templates which combine conventional input deck driven simulator control with automated control as it is necessary in a simulation environment. Each of the templates of a tool can introduce symbols, which derive their values either from input ports of the simulation-flow-model, from results of one of its preceding tools, from auxiliary status information of the model, or from an environment variable.