Is not a programming language, it is an IEEE Standard C++ class library for system and hardware design. Knowledge of the SystemC library allows it to be extended using the C++ language to enable SoC design and verification activities.

A SystemC application usually has an elaboration phase during which a module hierarchy is instantiated that represents the hardware design for the system, followed by a simulation phase using a simulation engine which is formed as part of the core of the SystemC library which schedules the user defined processes that simulate the design.

Arm provides a number of SystemC Cycle Models that can be enhanced with other SystemC component models that represent additional IP blocks to create accurate virtual prototypes of a SoC.