Definition of self-consistent top-down design

1. a design methodology that starts at the conceptual or abstraction level with a set of behavioral descriptions of the final product. All of the design elements and constraints are supported by accurate models and carried through all levels of design hierarchy. Changes and/or corrections made to the design at any level of implementation will propagate, both upward and downward, through all the levels of the design hierarchy. Constraints such as manufacturability, reliability, or power are applied at the highest possible level. [SEMATECH] Also called hierarchical design methodology .