In a method of data processing, a database defines a Dial entity and at
least one instance of the Dial entity. Each instance of the Dial entity
has an input having a plurality of different possible input values and
one or more outputs, and each of the plurality of different possible
input values has a different associated output value set for the one or
more outputs. Each instance of the Dial entity determines a value of at
least one of a plurality of configuration latches in a digital system
separate from the database. The database also associates with the Dial
entity at least one set of biasing weights that, when applied, determines
a probability of each instance of the Dial entity having particular ones
of the plurality of different possible input values. In response to a
call to set the plurality of configuration latches, the database is
accessed to apply the at least one set of biasing weights to select one
of the plurality of different possible input values for the at least one
instance of the Dial entity. The plurality of configuration latches in
the digital system are set based upon the output value set for the one or
more outputs of the at least one instance of the Dial entity.