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The VStation-5Mx replicate uses the compiled database from the VStation-5M. This provides a known environment for both hardware and software design team. When the hardware design team considers the design stable enough, the software team start the system integration verification. The database is then downloaded onto one or multiple VStation-5Mxs. The identical database ensures that all systems function exactly the same, removing verification-based uncertainty. Debug is provided by the VStation-5M full emulation system.
The VStation and replicate also offer co-modelling capability, enabling high-performance system-level verification using abstract system models running on a workstation connected to the design under test through a high-speed interface between the workstation and VStation-5M and 5Mx. The systems can be used for co-modelling and traditional in-circuit emulation. Designers can perform concurrent hardware and software verification and ensure that the chip works in the system environment before committing to silicon.
The ability to verify hardware and software concurrently gives designers a chance to test system constituents together, earlier in the production cycle and therefore introduce products to market quicker.
This is especially helpful in complex system-on-chip designs that can contain multiple processor cores. These SoCs could contain a microprocessor, co-processors and also DSP functionality. The demand from chip designers for co-verification has led to hardware verification companies trying to adapt their systems to include the ability to verify software.
IKOS designed the VStation series for the verification of hardware designs, but during consultations with customers it discovered that some customers with more than one VStation, have been using the emulators to verify software as well as hardware. This worked for users with multiple VStations, but the expense of owning more than one machine is prohibitive for some customers.
To try and make this facility more accessible IKOS has developed a replicate for its VStation-5M that enables customers to verify software.
The replicate is similar to the VStation but does not have the test and measurement equipment required for the verification of hardware and is therefore much less expensive. The replicate cannot function as a standalone unit meaning users will have to posses the VStation-5M.
The VStation-5Mx replicate uses the compiled database from the VStation-5M. This provides a known environment for both hardware and software design team. When the hardware design team considers the design stable enough, the software team start the system integration verification. The database is then downloaded onto one or multiple VStation-5Mxs. The identical database ensures that all systems function exactly the same, removing verification-based uncertainty. Debug is provided by the VStation-5M full emulation system.
The VStation and replicate also offer co-modelling capability, enabling high-performance system-level verification using abstract system models running on a workstation connected to the design under test through a high-speed interface between the workstation and VStation-5M and 5Mx. The systems can be used for co-modelling and traditional in-circuit emulation. Designers can perform concurrent hardware and software verification and ensure that the chip works in the system environment before committing to silicon.
A replicate solution for the 15 million gate VStation-15M is planned for release in early 2002.
IKOS has also launched other initiatives including a training program and options to own the VStation series without the heavy capital outlay.
The PtP training program is Web-based, providing engineers with the opportunity to learn by using tutorials, live events, chats, and interactive trouble-shooting and verification planning tools. The program lets users decide what information they require, the timescale for learning, and the way to access the information.
The three initiatives designed to make the VStation more accessible are, iswitch2, a trade-in programme offering a switch from competitors models, iSAVE, in which customers can rent capacity on a project-by-project basis, and iEN, a rent/rent-to-own scheme.
Credit: VStation-5Mx emulator
Copyright Miller Freeman plc Dec 19, 2001