US Patent 7350189 Automatic latch of signal attributes in modeling and execution environments

Methods and systems for automatically locking down the attributes of signals in modeling and execution systems are disclosed. Signal attributes automatic latch components are placed on the path of the signals. The signal attributes automatic latch components automatically collect all of the information on the attributes of the signals and lock down the attributes of the signals. Alternatively, automatic signal attributes latch functions may be implemented in components, such as input and output port components. The components perform the automatic signal attributes latch functions that enable the components to automatically collect all of the information on the attributes of the signals and lock down the attributes of the signals. If the attributes of the signals are locked down, even if the design of a target system is changed, the locked attributes of the signals do not change.