An Informal Method

A method for specifying the behavior and architecture of discrete state systems such as digital electronic devices and software. The method draws on state machine theory, automata products, and recursive functions and is ordinary working mathematics, not involving formal methods or any foundational or meta-mathematical techniques. Systems in which there are levels of components that may operate in parallel or concurrently are specified in terms of function composition. Illustrative examples include real-time systems, distributed consensus, a Java producer/consumer solution, and digital circuits.