Functional Analyzer Scopes Out SoC Defects In RTL

June 21, 2004
Expanding predictive analysis technology into the functional space, the Periscope functional analysis tool helps engineers quickly determine whether their RTL design descriptions are functionally correct. Also, the tool helps repair problem areas...

Expanding predictive analysis technology into the functional space, the Periscope functional analysis tool helps engineers quickly determine whether their RTL design descriptions are functionally correct. Also, the tool helps repair problem areas without having to cycle through simulation and synthesis.

Periscope, developed by Atrenta, anticipates flaws in the design through functional analysis of the RTL code (see the figure). It identifies clocking errors, unreachable code, and tri-state bus conflicts early in the RTL coding process. By doing so, it sidesteps long, costly verification runs later on that may or may not catch these errors.

Using an assertion-based verification engine under the hood for functional analysis, Periscope adds advanced functional algorithms to augment Atrenta's structural clock-domain-crossing (CDC) analysis capability. Because synchronizers are required on signals crossing clock domains, Periscope automatically detects and reports missing or incorrect synchronizers. It also detects other clocking problems, such as improper coding of multibit CDC signals, reconvergent signals, and hold-time issues for fast-to-slow clock crossings.

In addition to CDC analysis, Periscope combines formal techniques and simulation to check for bus contention, control bus synchronization, uninitialized memory, simultaneous set/reset, and other problems. It functionally verifies finite state machines, including searching for unreachable states, deadlocked states, and inactive state transitions. It also detects dead code and functionally validates tri-state buses and case statements.

The tool supports Accellera-standard Open Verification Library assertions, including FIFO overflow and underflow, handshaking checks, and range checks. Atrenta plans to add support for other popular assertion languages, like PSL.

Periscope is available on the Solaris, HP-UX, and Linux platforms. A time-based license starts at $50,000.

Atrenta Inc.www.atrenta.com

Sponsored Recommendations

Board-Mount DC/DC Converters in Medical Applications

March 27, 2024
AC/DC or board-mount DC/DC converters provide power for medical devices. This article explains why isolation might be needed and which safety standards apply.

Use Rugged Multiband Antennas to Solve the Mobile Connectivity Challenge

March 27, 2024
Selecting and using antennas for mobile applications requires attention to electrical, mechanical, and environmental characteristics: TE modules can help.

Out-of-the-box Cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity with AWS IoT ExpressLink

March 27, 2024
This demo shows how to enroll LTE-M and Wi-Fi evaluation boards with AWS IoT Core, set up a Connected Health Solution as well as AWS AT commands and AWS IoT ExpressLink security...

How to Quickly Leverage Bluetooth AoA and AoD for Indoor Logistics Tracking

March 27, 2024
Real-time asset tracking is an important aspect of Industry 4.0. Various technologies are available for deploying Real-Time Location.

Comments

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Electronic Design, create an account today!