Abstraction:Managing Design Complexity through High-Level C-Model Verification

Mike AndrewsMentor Graphics

Yuan-Shiu Chen 2003.10.3 present

OutlineUsing abstract C_Modeling to see architectural developments

Optimizing Bus Arbitration Using Seamless with C-Bridge

Example (simple picture displayer)

Introduction

ObjectiveReduce system verification runtimesVerification earlier

MethodologyVerify system components in high-level C modelsBuilt around an ARM 926 embedded processorSeamless C-Bridge co-verification environment

Abstraction C-ModelingCreate and simulate faster than RTL modelVerify the design during the early stages

Less costly, accomplishing tasks early, boost design productivityReduce time to debug problems at detail levelDevote more time to improving their designs

Optimizing Bus Arbitration Using Seamless with C-BridgePerformance analysis (Version 5)

Better understanding of the performance characteristics of their designImmediate feedback of design change

C-Bridge allows the hardware to be an abstract C-modelMix-and-match C and HDL models written at different abstraction levels

Example: picture displayer

Purpose : to see whether the system still functions correctly after additional timing information

A basic block diagram for a simple picture displayer

Example: picture displayer (cont.)

Seamless Version 5 Performance Profiler bus loading view.

Fix the problem by modifying the arbitration scheme dynamically, without leaving the simulation.

Change dynamically by sending a command to the arbiter model

Example: picture displayer (cont.)

Seamless Version 5 Performance Profiler arbitration delay view.

0~10 (ms) : attempt to display a picture10~20 (ms) : picture display process where the maximum value of 16 is used for arbiter parameter20~30 (ms) : parameter reduce to 4

ConclusionAbstract modeling and the Seamless performance analysis engine reduce overall verification times

Contribute to the creation of optimal designs

Increases design productivity, boosts confidence in the design of complex system.