• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Microcontroller Tips

Microcontroller engineering resources, new microcontroller products and electronics engineering news

  • Products
    • 8-bit
    • 16-bit
    • 32-bit
    • 64-bit
  • Applications
    • 5G
    • Automotive
    • Connectivity
    • Consumer Electronics
    • EV Engineering
    • Industrial
    • IoT
    • Medical
    • Security
    • Telecommunications
    • Wearables
    • Wireless
  • Learn
    • eBooks / Tech Tips
    • EE Training Days
    • FAQs
    • Learning Center
    • Tech Toolboxes
    • Webinars/Digital Events
  • Resources
    • Design Guide Library
    • DesignFast
    • LEAP Awards
    • Podcasts
    • White Papers
  • Videos
    • EE Videos & Interviews
    • Teardown Videos
  • EE Forums
    • EDABoard.com
    • Electro-Tech-Online.com
  • Engineering Training Days
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

ASIC simulator facilitates chip performance tweaking

November 5, 2021 By Redding Traiger Leave a Comment

A critical stage in creating a custom ASIC is verifying that it does what it is supposed to do and in the best way possible. Typically, this is done by synthesising RTL and running it to see how well it performs against the performance specification that was defined at the start of the design. By adjusting the design, the performance is improved with each RTL run but each iteration can take weeks to affect.

Sondrel has developed a methodology that it calls its Performance Verification Environment (PVE) that enables it to create a Synopsys SystemC simulation model where various parameters can be easily tweaked to see what effect this has on the meeting of the desired performance specification. Each variant does not take long to set up on the model and run in a few hours whereas trying to do each one with RTL simulations would take weeks for each variant. There is a trade-off between accuracy and speed as RTL simulations are more accurate but the speed of this new modelling approach in reaching an optimal configuration in only days far outweighs this. This enables Sondrel to successfully create many projects for customers as it is easy to deploy, faster and with less risk.

The methodology starts with using the Exploration Platform to capture and export all the transaction traces into Sondrel’s PVE that uses a Python-in-SystemC embedding technology built on top of Synopsys VCS, Synopsis DVE and Synopsys Verdi products. It is also capable of supporting tools from other EDA vendors, namely, Mentor Questa and Cadence Xcelium.

The testbench compilation flow for PVE is shown on the left of the PVE illustration and uses an RTL Compiler from one of the established EDA vendors, that takes the Sondrel PVE (formed from SystemC and Python code) and combines it with Generated RTL and Python 3.9 binary (that is available as Opensource). This creates a simulator snapshot as a single application, which is the final executable that is run to perform the test.

To run it, as shown on the right of the flows illustration, Use case traces are taken from a cycle-accurate, SystemC Simulation of the Architecture, and the System Architect provides a script to read the Use case traces and exercise the simulation with the output being FSDB Waveform Databases. These can be de-bugged, if necessary, using standard tools and methodologies defined by Verdi, DVE, Questa and Xcelium.

The benefits of this approach are that subtle RTL issues become apparent that have not appeared in the Exploration Platform. This is because of the detailed simulations that the RTL simulation provides. Also, this can be done in advance of the UVM environment being ready which gives an early indication of whether the RTL can perform well or not. It is also quite easy for Architects and Performance Engineers to use this methodology as it mostly requires Python knowledge that is easier to acquire than, say, System Verilog – UVM.

You may also like:

  • keysight HiL testing
    Basics of time-synchronized hardware-in-the loop testing
  • dSpace
    Sensor-realistic simulation in real time

  • What are the basics of quantum computing?

  • What is the RISC-V ecosystem?

  • Robot software environments and motion control architectures

Filed Under: Embedded, Products, simulation modules, Software, Tools Tagged With: sondrel

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Featured Contributions

Five challenges for developing next-generation ADAS and autonomous vehicles

Securing IoT devices against quantum computing risks

RISC-V implementation strategies for certification of safety-critical systems

What’s new with Matter: how Matter 1.4 is reshaping interoperability and energy management

Edge AI: Revolutionizing real-time data processing and automation

More Featured Contributions

EE TECH TOOLBOX

“ee
Tech Toolbox: Internet of Things
Explore practical strategies for minimizing attack surfaces, managing memory efficiently, and securing firmware. Download now to ensure your IoT implementations remain secure, efficient, and future-ready.

EE Learning Center

EE Learning Center

EE ENGINEERING TRAINING DAYS

engineering
“bills
“microcontroller
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Get the latest info on technologies, tools and strategies for EE professionals.

RSS Current EDABoard.com discussions

  • Elektronik devre
  • Powering a USB hub: safely distributing current from a shared power supply
  • RF-DC rectifier impedance matching
  • How can I get the frequency please help!
  • 12VAC to 12VDC 5A on 250ft 12AWG

RSS Current Electro-Tech-Online.com Discussions

  • 100uF bypass Caps?
  • Fuel Auto Shutoff
  • Actin group needed for effective PCB software tutorials
  • how to work on pcbs that are thick
  • compatible eth ports for laptop

DesignFast

Design Fast Logo
Component Selection Made Simple.

Try it Today
design fast globle

Footer

Microcontroller Tips

EE World Online Network

  • 5G Technology World
  • EE World Online
  • Engineers Garage
  • Analog IC Tips
  • Battery Power Tips
  • Connector Tips
  • DesignFast
  • EDA Board Forums
  • Electro Tech Online Forums
  • EV Engineering
  • Power Electronic Tips
  • Sensor Tips
  • Test and Measurement Tips

Microcontroller Tips

  • Subscribe to our newsletter
  • Advertise with us
  • Contact us
  • About us

Copyright © 2025 · WTWH Media LLC and its licensors. All rights reserved.
The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media.

Privacy Policy