This document discusses accelerating system simulation through reuse of ASIC testbenches. It presents the Socketsim tool which allows chip-level testbenches to communicate over sockets, enabling efficient multi-ASIC simulation. A recommended testbench methodology is also described where monitors synchronize data between environments running on separate systems. This approach reuses chip-level verification IP and solves challenges of multi-ASIC system verification.
The IBM zEnterprise System, introduced last July is arguably the most significant new systems architecture in 20 years and took smarter computing and optimized systems to a whole new level.
This revolutionary system introduced a new hybrid computing model capable of integrating and managing multiple (or today’s most prevalent) architectures in a single integrated system making it possible to begin collapsing individual islands of computing to reduce complexity, improve security, and bring business applications and workloads closer to the data they need. This hybrid environment allows clients to optimize workloads, deploy enterprise clouds, and take action based on real-time analytics and big data.
This document provides an overview of the IBM System x server line and its energy efficiency features. It discusses the System x and BladeCenter models, their processor, memory, storage and I/O options. It also covers energy saving technologies like calibrated vectored cooling, power capping and IBM Systems Director Active Energy Manager for managing power usage.
This document discusses the emerging technology of software defined networks (SDN). It begins by comparing the traditional vertically integrated network model to the new horizontal SDN model. SDN allows for network control to be separated from the forwarding function through open interfaces. This enables rapid innovation, standardization, and new applications. Examples are given of early adopting companies like Google and startups creating SDN controllers and applications. The benefits of SDN include increased network programmability, virtualization, visibility, and flexibility.
This document provides a quick reference guide for Cisco Identity Based Networking Services (IBNS). It outlines sample configurations for different IBNS deployment modes including:
1) Global identity settings like AAA and RADIUS configurations that apply to all modes.
2) Basic switch port configurations for access ports.
3) Optional monitor mode settings that enable open access.
4) Optional low impact mode settings that leverage downloadable ACLs for access control.
The guide provides example commands to configure key features for different IBNS deployment scenarios in 3 sentences or less.
Intel_Low Power Intelligent Solutions with Intel Atom ProcessorIşınsu Akçetin
Intel presented information on their Atom processor-based platforms for embedded systems. They discussed the Queens Bay Atom E6xx and Cedar Trail Atom N2000 and D2000 series processors. Cedar Trail offers improved performance over previous generations through a 32nm process, faster memory and graphics. Development kits are available to help designers evaluate and integrate the Atom platforms into their products. Future generations will provide continued enhancements for embedded and mobile intelligent devices.
Bob Colwell documented notes from a meeting discussing the need for better software visualization tools to help localize bugs, diagnose problems, and monitor software behavior. The notes also reflect on important words in science according to Isaac Newton and reference a book about creative analogies. Finally, they caution against agreeing to sign a document just because a product is shipping.
Zilker Labs is a mixed-signal fabless semiconductor company founded in 2002 and headquartered in Austin, Texas that develops digital power conversion and control integrated circuits. Their first two ICs, the ZL2005 and ZL2105, were introduced in 2005 and 2006 respectively. Verification of their mixed-signal ICs poses challenges due to the interaction between analog and digital blocks, firmware, and algorithms. Zilker Labs addresses this through directed tests of individual blocks, emulation of the digital signal processor functionality in real time, and VerilogAMS modeling.
The IBM zEnterprise System, introduced last July is arguably the most significant new systems architecture in 20 years and took smarter computing and optimized systems to a whole new level.
This revolutionary system introduced a new hybrid computing model capable of integrating and managing multiple (or today’s most prevalent) architectures in a single integrated system making it possible to begin collapsing individual islands of computing to reduce complexity, improve security, and bring business applications and workloads closer to the data they need. This hybrid environment allows clients to optimize workloads, deploy enterprise clouds, and take action based on real-time analytics and big data.
This document provides an overview of the IBM System x server line and its energy efficiency features. It discusses the System x and BladeCenter models, their processor, memory, storage and I/O options. It also covers energy saving technologies like calibrated vectored cooling, power capping and IBM Systems Director Active Energy Manager for managing power usage.
This document discusses the emerging technology of software defined networks (SDN). It begins by comparing the traditional vertically integrated network model to the new horizontal SDN model. SDN allows for network control to be separated from the forwarding function through open interfaces. This enables rapid innovation, standardization, and new applications. Examples are given of early adopting companies like Google and startups creating SDN controllers and applications. The benefits of SDN include increased network programmability, virtualization, visibility, and flexibility.
This document provides a quick reference guide for Cisco Identity Based Networking Services (IBNS). It outlines sample configurations for different IBNS deployment modes including:
1) Global identity settings like AAA and RADIUS configurations that apply to all modes.
2) Basic switch port configurations for access ports.
3) Optional monitor mode settings that enable open access.
4) Optional low impact mode settings that leverage downloadable ACLs for access control.
The guide provides example commands to configure key features for different IBNS deployment scenarios in 3 sentences or less.
Intel_Low Power Intelligent Solutions with Intel Atom ProcessorIşınsu Akçetin
Intel presented information on their Atom processor-based platforms for embedded systems. They discussed the Queens Bay Atom E6xx and Cedar Trail Atom N2000 and D2000 series processors. Cedar Trail offers improved performance over previous generations through a 32nm process, faster memory and graphics. Development kits are available to help designers evaluate and integrate the Atom platforms into their products. Future generations will provide continued enhancements for embedded and mobile intelligent devices.
Bob Colwell documented notes from a meeting discussing the need for better software visualization tools to help localize bugs, diagnose problems, and monitor software behavior. The notes also reflect on important words in science according to Isaac Newton and reference a book about creative analogies. Finally, they caution against agreeing to sign a document just because a product is shipping.
Zilker Labs is a mixed-signal fabless semiconductor company founded in 2002 and headquartered in Austin, Texas that develops digital power conversion and control integrated circuits. Their first two ICs, the ZL2005 and ZL2105, were introduced in 2005 and 2006 respectively. Verification of their mixed-signal ICs poses challenges due to the interaction between analog and digital blocks, firmware, and algorithms. Zilker Labs addresses this through directed tests of individual blocks, emulation of the digital signal processor functionality in real time, and VerilogAMS modeling.
This document discusses challenges with multi-ASIC system simulation and presents a solution using a tool called Socketsim. Socketsim allows chip-level testbenches to be connected over sockets to simulate a full system. It monitors signal changes and propagates them between environments running on different systems. A recommended methodology involves decoupling drivers from the scoreboard and using monitors to place data on the scoreboard. This methodology and the Socketsim tool enable efficient reuse of chip-level testbenches at the system level.
This document discusses Cisco technologies for improving data center efficiency including Application Networking Services, Nexus technologies, and achieving synergies through solutions like Unified Computing. Some key points discussed are consolidating infrastructure from branches into the data center using WAAS, using Cisco ACE load balancers for flexible and scalable application services, and leveraging Nexus technologies like Unified I/O, Fabric Extenders, and VM-aware networking to reduce costs through optimizations like fewer interfaces and switches per server. The presentation concludes with an overview of the Unified Computing System which tightly integrates computing, networking, storage and virtualization to deliver benefits such as reduced management points, universal interconnectivity, and optimized virtualization.
The document discusses different approaches to chip verification including simulation, acceleration, and emulation. It provides examples of how Cisco has used these approaches over time for various chips and systems. Simulation was used initially and led to distributed simulation approaches. Acceleration provided speedups but required a lightweight testbench. Emulation was later used for large ASICs. Simulation was also key for software development when RTL was unavailable. The document suggests future possibilities may involve separating processor and custom logic simulation.
The document provides an overview of the Cisco Catalyst 6500 product line including chassis, supervisors, line cards and modules. It focuses on the features and capabilities of the Supervisor 720 including its integrated 720Gbps switch fabric and hardware accelerated capabilities for IPv4, IPv6, MPLS, NAT/PAT, QoS and security functions. Key areas covered include IPv6 support, GRE/tunneling, egress policing, multipath URPF, MPLS, bidirectional PIM and performance benchmarks. The document is intended to educate readers on the technical details and advanced functionality of the Catalyst 6500 and Supervisor 720.
Application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) are microchips designed for special applications. There are two types: full-custom ASICs where all logic cells and mask layers are customized, and semi-custom where pre-designed logic cells have some customizable mask layers. ASICs have advantages over FPGAs like lower costs, higher speeds, and lower power usage, but have higher design costs and longer development times. Common applications of ASICs include aerospace systems, high-performance processors, and specialized consumer electronics.
The document discusses Frame Relay, a widely used WAN technology. It describes how Frame Relay uses virtual circuits to carry packets between devices and explains the encapsulation process. The document also covers configuring basic and advanced Frame Relay PVCs, including subinterfaces, bandwidth control, flow control, and troubleshooting. Key commands for verifying and debugging Frame Relay are provided.
Managing an Enterprise WLAN with Cisco Prime NCS & WCSCisco Mobility
How to use Cisco Prime Network Control System (NCS) & WCS to deploy and manage your wireless network, an advanced technical deep-dive. Includes migration tips from WCS to NCS. Learn More: http://www.cisco.com/go/wireless
The document provides release notes for Cisco Configuration Professional version 1.3, dated April 16, 2009. It includes sections on new features, limitations, documentation, and system requirements. The system requirements section outlines requirements for the PC and supported Cisco routers, including minimum specifications, supported network modules and cards, and required Cisco IOS versions.
Simulation Directed Co-Design from Smartphones to SupercomputersEric Van Hensbergen
SystemExplorer is a system simulation framework based upon the open-source gem5 simulation infrastructure. It includes a rich collection of hardware components such as ARM cores, interconnect, memories and memory controllers, IO devices - ethernet, PCIe, and other peripherals. In addition it provides support for run fully featured operating systems such as Linux and Android combined with pre-packaged filesystem images that contain real workloads and benchmarks for Smartphone, Server and High Performance Computing. In this talk I'll give an overview of ARM R&D's use of the SystemExplorer tool for workload directed architectural co-design. I will focus on how we are using it in combination with the Department of Energy's co-design center proxy applications to help evaluate and enable the ARM architecture to address the power-efficiency, performance, and resilience requirements of Exascale computing.
(Presented during FastPass 2013 Workshop in Austin, TX)
This document provides an overview of system on chip (SoC) design. It discusses that a SoC integrates all components of an electronic system onto a single chip, including digital, analog and radio frequency functions. The SoC design process involves identifying user needs and integrating various intellectual property blocks. It describes the SoC design flow, fundamentals like using soft and hard IP cores, and considerations like architecture strategy and validation. Key aspects covered include SoC architecture, on-chip buses to connect IP cores, and examples of commercial SoCs.
Nexus_7000 product detail for mantaincing and opratinghaimingwan
This document provides an overview of the Cisco Nexus 7000 series switches, including the Nexus 7010 and 7018 models. It describes the key components, specifications, and redundancy features. The Nexus 7000 is optimized for data center environments, offering high performance, density, and flexibility. It supports up to 384 1GbE or 256 10GbE ports per chassis and provides modular expansion through Ethernet modules, fabric modules, power supplies, and fan trays.
Внутренняя архитектура IOS-XE: средства траблшутинга предачи трафика на ASR1k...Cisco Russia
The document discusses the internal architecture of Cisco IOS-XE software and hardware platforms like ASR1000 and ISR4000 routers. It describes the key components like the Route Processor (RP), Embedded Services Processor (ESP), Quantum Flow Processor (QFP), and how they work together. Diagnostic tools for troubleshooting traffic forwarding like conditional debugging, packet tracer and embedded packet capture are also covered.
This document provides a summary of improved mapping and modeling of defense domain architectures. It contains 22 slides summarizing concepts related to the Department of Defense Architecture Framework (DoDAF), including the DoDAF meta-model, views, concepts and issues. It also discusses mapping information sets and ontologies between different frameworks and challenges doing so.
Istio and Envoy provide a service mesh solution for microservices architectures that addresses many of the challenges of that architecture style. The service mesh handles tasks like load balancing, service discovery, failure handling, and authentication/authorization transparently for services. Istio's control plane components like Pilot and Mixer configure Envoy sidecar proxies that intercept and route traffic for each service instance. When using Istio, special logic does not need to be added to each individual service to handle these tasks. The service mesh approach improves development, maintenance and portability of microservices.
Parsing and Type checking all 2^10000 configurations of the Linux kernelchk49
In many projects, lexical preprocessors are used to manage different configurations of the project with conditional compilation. Unfortunately, while being a simple way to implement variability, conditional compilation and lexical preprocessor macros hinder automatic analysis, even though such analysis is urgently needed to combat variability-induced complexity. To analyze code with its variability, we need to parse it without preprocessing it. However, current parsing solutions use unsound heuristics, support only a subset of the language, or suffer from exponential explosion. We introduce a novel variability-aware parser that can parse unpreprocessed code without heuristics. On top of parsing, which detects syntax errors in all configurations, we have constructed a variability-aware type system and module system that additionally detect other compiler-time errors. With this infrastructure, we are in the process of checking the entire Linux kernel with 10000 compile-time configuration options and, hence, up to 2^10000 configurations for syntax and type errors.
This document provides an overview of system on chip (SoC) design. It discusses that a SoC integrates all components of an electronic system onto a single chip, and that SoC design involves identifying user needs and integrating various intellectual property blocks. The document then covers SoC fundamentals like the use of soft and hard IP cores, the design flow from specification to fabrication, and strategies for addressing SoC complexity through partitioning, abstraction levels, and reuse of pre-designed components.
This document provides instructions for renting access to a rack of Cisco routers and switches to gain hands-on experience configuring Cisco devices. It describes the rack rental service which provides remote access to a pod containing 5 Cisco routers, 2 Cisco switches, and an ISDN simulator for $10/day. The document lists the various Cisco technologies that can be configured including switching, routing protocols, and WAN protocols. It then provides step-by-step instructions for an OSPF lab to configure OSPF routing.
This document discusses matching network parameters between IBM System p and Cisco networks. It focuses on link aggregation (LA) and configuring multiple VLANs. For LA, it describes setting up an etherchannel on an IBM System p server using two network adapters and the corresponding configuration on a Cisco switch to bundle the network ports. It also discusses changing the LA load balancing hash mode. For VLANs, it mentions connecting Cisco catalyst switches to provide full VLAN connectivity to a virtual I/O server.
PLNOG16: IOS XR – 12 lat innowacji, Krzysztof MazepaPROIDEA
IOS XR is Cisco's modular, distributed network operating system. In 2004, Cisco introduced IOS XR and the CRS-1 router, the first router to run IOS XR. IOS XR offers innovations such as a distributed architecture, high scalability, and always-on operations. In subsequent years, Cisco continued expanding IOS XR's capabilities with features like 64-bit support and virtualization.
The document discusses lessons learned from 4 years of simulating an innovative network processor, emphasizing the need to leverage computing resources through automated testing, intelligent test generation, and storing large numbers of test executions and results in databases to methodically close issues. It provides recommendations for planning verification efforts and creating balanced testing pipelines to efficiently debug problems and keep verification teams productive.
The document describes Cisco's Base Environment methodology for digital verification. It aims to standardize the verification process, promote reuse, and improve predictability. The methodology defines a common testbench topology and infrastructure that is vertically scalable from unit to system level and horizontally scalable across projects. It provides templates, scripts, verification IP and documentation to help teams set up verification environments quickly and leverage existing best practices. The standardized approach facilitates extensive code and test reuse and delivers benefits such as faster ramp-up times, improved planning, and higher return on verification IP development.
This document discusses the challenges of pre-silicon validation for Intel Xeon processors. It notes that Xeon validation teams have relatively small sizes compared to the scope of validation required. Key challenges include reusing design components from previous projects, managing cross-site teams, and dealing with ever-growing design complexity that strains simulation and formal verification methods. Specific issues involve integrating disparate design tools and environments, understanding the original intent when reusing unfinished code, minimizing duplicated stimulus code, managing the overhead of coverage instrumentation, and ensuring tests are portable between pre-silicon and post-silicon validation.
This document discusses challenges with multi-ASIC system simulation and presents a solution using a tool called Socketsim. Socketsim allows chip-level testbenches to be connected over sockets to simulate a full system. It monitors signal changes and propagates them between environments running on different systems. A recommended methodology involves decoupling drivers from the scoreboard and using monitors to place data on the scoreboard. This methodology and the Socketsim tool enable efficient reuse of chip-level testbenches at the system level.
This document discusses Cisco technologies for improving data center efficiency including Application Networking Services, Nexus technologies, and achieving synergies through solutions like Unified Computing. Some key points discussed are consolidating infrastructure from branches into the data center using WAAS, using Cisco ACE load balancers for flexible and scalable application services, and leveraging Nexus technologies like Unified I/O, Fabric Extenders, and VM-aware networking to reduce costs through optimizations like fewer interfaces and switches per server. The presentation concludes with an overview of the Unified Computing System which tightly integrates computing, networking, storage and virtualization to deliver benefits such as reduced management points, universal interconnectivity, and optimized virtualization.
The document discusses different approaches to chip verification including simulation, acceleration, and emulation. It provides examples of how Cisco has used these approaches over time for various chips and systems. Simulation was used initially and led to distributed simulation approaches. Acceleration provided speedups but required a lightweight testbench. Emulation was later used for large ASICs. Simulation was also key for software development when RTL was unavailable. The document suggests future possibilities may involve separating processor and custom logic simulation.
The document provides an overview of the Cisco Catalyst 6500 product line including chassis, supervisors, line cards and modules. It focuses on the features and capabilities of the Supervisor 720 including its integrated 720Gbps switch fabric and hardware accelerated capabilities for IPv4, IPv6, MPLS, NAT/PAT, QoS and security functions. Key areas covered include IPv6 support, GRE/tunneling, egress policing, multipath URPF, MPLS, bidirectional PIM and performance benchmarks. The document is intended to educate readers on the technical details and advanced functionality of the Catalyst 6500 and Supervisor 720.
Application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) are microchips designed for special applications. There are two types: full-custom ASICs where all logic cells and mask layers are customized, and semi-custom where pre-designed logic cells have some customizable mask layers. ASICs have advantages over FPGAs like lower costs, higher speeds, and lower power usage, but have higher design costs and longer development times. Common applications of ASICs include aerospace systems, high-performance processors, and specialized consumer electronics.
The document discusses Frame Relay, a widely used WAN technology. It describes how Frame Relay uses virtual circuits to carry packets between devices and explains the encapsulation process. The document also covers configuring basic and advanced Frame Relay PVCs, including subinterfaces, bandwidth control, flow control, and troubleshooting. Key commands for verifying and debugging Frame Relay are provided.
Managing an Enterprise WLAN with Cisco Prime NCS & WCSCisco Mobility
How to use Cisco Prime Network Control System (NCS) & WCS to deploy and manage your wireless network, an advanced technical deep-dive. Includes migration tips from WCS to NCS. Learn More: http://www.cisco.com/go/wireless
The document provides release notes for Cisco Configuration Professional version 1.3, dated April 16, 2009. It includes sections on new features, limitations, documentation, and system requirements. The system requirements section outlines requirements for the PC and supported Cisco routers, including minimum specifications, supported network modules and cards, and required Cisco IOS versions.
Simulation Directed Co-Design from Smartphones to SupercomputersEric Van Hensbergen
SystemExplorer is a system simulation framework based upon the open-source gem5 simulation infrastructure. It includes a rich collection of hardware components such as ARM cores, interconnect, memories and memory controllers, IO devices - ethernet, PCIe, and other peripherals. In addition it provides support for run fully featured operating systems such as Linux and Android combined with pre-packaged filesystem images that contain real workloads and benchmarks for Smartphone, Server and High Performance Computing. In this talk I'll give an overview of ARM R&D's use of the SystemExplorer tool for workload directed architectural co-design. I will focus on how we are using it in combination with the Department of Energy's co-design center proxy applications to help evaluate and enable the ARM architecture to address the power-efficiency, performance, and resilience requirements of Exascale computing.
(Presented during FastPass 2013 Workshop in Austin, TX)
This document provides an overview of system on chip (SoC) design. It discusses that a SoC integrates all components of an electronic system onto a single chip, including digital, analog and radio frequency functions. The SoC design process involves identifying user needs and integrating various intellectual property blocks. It describes the SoC design flow, fundamentals like using soft and hard IP cores, and considerations like architecture strategy and validation. Key aspects covered include SoC architecture, on-chip buses to connect IP cores, and examples of commercial SoCs.
Nexus_7000 product detail for mantaincing and opratinghaimingwan
This document provides an overview of the Cisco Nexus 7000 series switches, including the Nexus 7010 and 7018 models. It describes the key components, specifications, and redundancy features. The Nexus 7000 is optimized for data center environments, offering high performance, density, and flexibility. It supports up to 384 1GbE or 256 10GbE ports per chassis and provides modular expansion through Ethernet modules, fabric modules, power supplies, and fan trays.
Внутренняя архитектура IOS-XE: средства траблшутинга предачи трафика на ASR1k...Cisco Russia
The document discusses the internal architecture of Cisco IOS-XE software and hardware platforms like ASR1000 and ISR4000 routers. It describes the key components like the Route Processor (RP), Embedded Services Processor (ESP), Quantum Flow Processor (QFP), and how they work together. Diagnostic tools for troubleshooting traffic forwarding like conditional debugging, packet tracer and embedded packet capture are also covered.
This document provides a summary of improved mapping and modeling of defense domain architectures. It contains 22 slides summarizing concepts related to the Department of Defense Architecture Framework (DoDAF), including the DoDAF meta-model, views, concepts and issues. It also discusses mapping information sets and ontologies between different frameworks and challenges doing so.
Istio and Envoy provide a service mesh solution for microservices architectures that addresses many of the challenges of that architecture style. The service mesh handles tasks like load balancing, service discovery, failure handling, and authentication/authorization transparently for services. Istio's control plane components like Pilot and Mixer configure Envoy sidecar proxies that intercept and route traffic for each service instance. When using Istio, special logic does not need to be added to each individual service to handle these tasks. The service mesh approach improves development, maintenance and portability of microservices.
Parsing and Type checking all 2^10000 configurations of the Linux kernelchk49
In many projects, lexical preprocessors are used to manage different configurations of the project with conditional compilation. Unfortunately, while being a simple way to implement variability, conditional compilation and lexical preprocessor macros hinder automatic analysis, even though such analysis is urgently needed to combat variability-induced complexity. To analyze code with its variability, we need to parse it without preprocessing it. However, current parsing solutions use unsound heuristics, support only a subset of the language, or suffer from exponential explosion. We introduce a novel variability-aware parser that can parse unpreprocessed code without heuristics. On top of parsing, which detects syntax errors in all configurations, we have constructed a variability-aware type system and module system that additionally detect other compiler-time errors. With this infrastructure, we are in the process of checking the entire Linux kernel with 10000 compile-time configuration options and, hence, up to 2^10000 configurations for syntax and type errors.
This document provides an overview of system on chip (SoC) design. It discusses that a SoC integrates all components of an electronic system onto a single chip, and that SoC design involves identifying user needs and integrating various intellectual property blocks. The document then covers SoC fundamentals like the use of soft and hard IP cores, the design flow from specification to fabrication, and strategies for addressing SoC complexity through partitioning, abstraction levels, and reuse of pre-designed components.
This document provides instructions for renting access to a rack of Cisco routers and switches to gain hands-on experience configuring Cisco devices. It describes the rack rental service which provides remote access to a pod containing 5 Cisco routers, 2 Cisco switches, and an ISDN simulator for $10/day. The document lists the various Cisco technologies that can be configured including switching, routing protocols, and WAN protocols. It then provides step-by-step instructions for an OSPF lab to configure OSPF routing.
This document discusses matching network parameters between IBM System p and Cisco networks. It focuses on link aggregation (LA) and configuring multiple VLANs. For LA, it describes setting up an etherchannel on an IBM System p server using two network adapters and the corresponding configuration on a Cisco switch to bundle the network ports. It also discusses changing the LA load balancing hash mode. For VLANs, it mentions connecting Cisco catalyst switches to provide full VLAN connectivity to a virtual I/O server.
PLNOG16: IOS XR – 12 lat innowacji, Krzysztof MazepaPROIDEA
IOS XR is Cisco's modular, distributed network operating system. In 2004, Cisco introduced IOS XR and the CRS-1 router, the first router to run IOS XR. IOS XR offers innovations such as a distributed architecture, high scalability, and always-on operations. In subsequent years, Cisco continued expanding IOS XR's capabilities with features like 64-bit support and virtualization.
The document discusses lessons learned from 4 years of simulating an innovative network processor, emphasizing the need to leverage computing resources through automated testing, intelligent test generation, and storing large numbers of test executions and results in databases to methodically close issues. It provides recommendations for planning verification efforts and creating balanced testing pipelines to efficiently debug problems and keep verification teams productive.
The document describes Cisco's Base Environment methodology for digital verification. It aims to standardize the verification process, promote reuse, and improve predictability. The methodology defines a common testbench topology and infrastructure that is vertically scalable from unit to system level and horizontally scalable across projects. It provides templates, scripts, verification IP and documentation to help teams set up verification environments quickly and leverage existing best practices. The standardized approach facilitates extensive code and test reuse and delivers benefits such as faster ramp-up times, improved planning, and higher return on verification IP development.
This document discusses the challenges of pre-silicon validation for Intel Xeon processors. It notes that Xeon validation teams have relatively small sizes compared to the scope of validation required. Key challenges include reusing design components from previous projects, managing cross-site teams, and dealing with ever-growing design complexity that strains simulation and formal verification methods. Specific issues involve integrating disparate design tools and environments, understanding the original intent when reusing unfinished code, minimizing duplicated stimulus code, managing the overhead of coverage instrumentation, and ensuring tests are portable between pre-silicon and post-silicon validation.
The document discusses how shaders are created and validated for graphics processing units (GPUs). Shaders are created by applications and sent to the GPU through graphics APIs and drivers. They are then executed by the GPU's shader processors. The validation process uses layered testbenches at the sub-block, block, and system levels for maximum controllability and observability. It also employs a reference model methodology using C++ models and hardware emulation to debug designs faster than simulation alone. This methodology helps improve the schedule and find bugs earlier in the development cycle.
The document is a presentation on verification of graphics ASICs given by Shaw Yang and Gary Greenstein of AMD. The presentation covers an overview of AMD, GPU systems, 3D graphics basics including vertices, polygons, pixels and textures, verification challenges related to size and complexity, and approaches used including layered code and testbenches, hardware emulation, and functional coverage.
The document discusses the importance of using verification metrics to predict the functional closure of a CPU design project and discusses challenges in relying solely on metrics. It outlines two key types of metrics - verification test plan based metrics that track testing progress and health of the design metrics that assess bug rates and stability. Examples are provided on using bug rate data and breaking bugs down by design unit to help evaluate the progress and health of a verification effort.
The document discusses efficient verification methodology. It recommends defining a conceptual framework or methodology to standardize some aspects while allowing diversity. The methodology should define interfaces and transactions upfront using an interface definition language to generate verification components and reusable assertions. It also recommends modeling systems at the transaction level using executable specifications to frontload the verification schedule.
The document discusses the challenges of validating next generation CPUs. It notes that validation is increasingly critical for product success but requires constant innovation. Design complexity is growing exponentially, requiring up to 70% of resources for functional validation. The number of pre-silicon logic bugs found per generation has also increased significantly. Shorter timelines and cross-site development further complicate the validation process.
The document discusses validation and design in small teams with limited resources. It proposes constraining designs to a single clock rate, using FIFO interfaces between blocks, and separating algorithm from IO verification to simplify validation. This approach allows designs to be completed more quickly with fewer verification engineers through standardized, repeatable validation methods at the cost of optimal performance.
Verification challenges have increased with the globalization of chip design. Time zone differences and documentation issues can reduce efficiency, but greater collaboration across sites can also lead to new ideas. AMD addresses these challenges through a Verification Center of Expertise (COE) that coordinates methodologies across multiple sites. The COE develops tools and techniques while partnering with project teams to jointly improve processes over time through continuous review and rotation of engineers between the COE and projects.
Greg Tierney of Avid presented on their experiences using SystemC for design verification. SystemC provides hardware constructs and simulation capabilities in C++. Avid chose SystemC to enhance their existing C++ verification code and take advantage of its industry acceptance and built-in verification features. SystemC helped Avid solve issues like crossing language boundaries between HDL modules and testbenches, connecting ports and channels, implementing randomization, using multi-threaded processes, and defining module hierarchies. However, Avid also encountered issues with SystemC like slow compile/link times and limitations in its foreign language interface.
The document outlines the verification strategy for a PCI-Express presenter device. It discusses the PCI-Express protocol overview including terminology, hierarchy and functions at various layers. It emphasizes the importance of design-for-verification using techniques like modular architectures, standardized interfaces and reference models to aid in functional verification closure and compliance testing. Performance verification is also highlighted as critical given the real-time requirements of the standard.
The document discusses verification strategies for PCI-Express. It outlines the PCI-Express protocol and highlights challenges in verifying chips that implement open standards. The verification paradigm focuses on functionality, performance, interoperability, reusability, scalability, and comprehensiveness using techniques like constrained-random testing, assertions, reference models, emulation, and compliance checkers. The goal is to deliver compliant and high-performing chips with zero bugs through an effective verification methodology.
The document discusses methodologies for improving verification efficiency at Cisco. It advocates separating testbench creation into three stages: component design, testbench integration, and testcase creation. It also recommends using standardized methodologies like testflow to synchronize component behavior, reusing unit-level component models and checkers, linking transactions between checkers, and generating common testbench infrastructure from templates to reduce duplication of effort. The key is pushing reusable behavior into components and standardizing common elements to maximize efficiency.
This document discusses the importance of pre-silicon verification for post-silicon validation. It notes that post-silicon validation schedules are growing due to increasing design complexity, while pre-silicon verification investment and methodologies have not kept pace. The document highlights mixed-signal verification, power-on/reset verification, and design-for-testability verification as key focus areas needed to improve pre-silicon verification and enable faster post-silicon validation. It provides examples of mixed-signal and power-on bugs that were found post-silicon due to insufficient pre-silicon verification of these areas. The document argues that pre-silicon verification must move beyond just functional verification and own mixed-signal effects
This document discusses challenges in low-power design and verification. It addresses why low-power is now a priority given trends in mobile applications. Key challenges include increased leakage due to process scaling, accounting for active leakage, and handling process variations. The document also discusses low-power design methodologies, including multiple power domains, voltage scaling, and clock gating. Verification challenges are presented, such as needing good test patterns and coordination across design domains. Overall power analysis is more complex than timing analysis due to its pattern dependence and need to optimize for performance per watt.
Verilog-AMS allows for mixed-signal modeling and simulation in a single language. It provides benefits like simplified mixed-signal modeling, decreased simulation time, and improved mixed-signal verification. Previous solutions involved using two simulators or approximating analog circuits, which caused issues like slow simulation and lack of analog results. Verilog-AMS uses constructs from Verilog and Verilog-A to model both analog and digital content together. This avoids issues with interface elements between domains.
This document discusses the verification of Intel's Atom processor. It describes the key verification challenges, methodology used, and results. The main challenges were verifying a new microarchitecture with aggressive schedules and limited resources. The methodology involved cluster-level validation, functional coverage, architectural validation, and formal verification. Metrics like coverage, bug rates, and a "health of model" indicator were used. The results showed a successful pre-silicon verification with few escapes and debug/survivability features working as intended. Key learnings included the importance of keeping the full-chip design healthy early and putting equal focus on testability features.
The document discusses verification strategies based on Sun Tzu's classic book "The Art of War". Some key points:
1. Sun Tzu emphasized understanding the objective conditions and subjective opinions of competitors to determine strategic positioning. This relates to verification where it is important to understand the design and "Murphy the Designer".
2. Sun Tzu's 13 chapters provide guidance on tactics like laying plans, attacking weaknesses, maneuvering, and using intelligence sources. These lessons can help verification engineers successfully navigate different stages of a competitive campaign against bugs and errors.
3. Effective verification requires knowing the design, understanding one's own verification process, preparing appropriate tools, and using feedback to improve. Coverage metrics alone do
Here are the key challenges faced in low power design without a common power format:
1. Domain definitions, level shifters, isolation cells, and other low power techniques are specified differently in each tool using tool-specific commands files and languages. This makes cross-tool consistency and validation difficult.
2. Power functionality cannot be easily verified at the RTL level without changing the RTL code, since power domains and low power techniques are not represented. This limits verification coverage.
3. Iteration between design creation and verification is difficult, since changes to the low power implementation require updates to multiple tool-specific specification files rather than a single cross-tool definition. This impacts design schedule and risks inconsistencies.
4.
This document discusses various metrics used to measure the progress and health of CPU verification. It describes architectural verification to ensure implementation meets specifications, as well as unit architecture and system level verification. Key metrics include pass rates for legacy tests, functional coverage, bug rates, lines of code changes, and a health of the model score to measure convergence. Secondary metrics like cycles run, bugs found at different levels, and test bench quality are also outlined.