Adapter for injecting realistic data traffic into circuit simulations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer-based simulation systems are restrictive in emulating realistic data traffic scenarios for integrated circuits, leading to inaccurate simulations as they rely on memory models that fail to mimic real-world operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize an adapter and communication server to translate high-level programming language transactions into device-under-test compatible data, allowing for realistic data traffic injection through a communication layer client, enabling external computer programs to generate custom data traffic and control timing, thereby simulating hardware-like behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If data traffic is emulated using memory models, then simulation simplicity is maintained, but simulation accuracy deteriorates due to inability to model realistic operating scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adapter as an intermediary component that translates between HLPL transactions and DUT-compatible data formats. This adapter enables realistic data traffic injection while maintaining system manageability by handling the complexity of translation internally, thus improving simulation accuracy without requiring the entire simulation system to become prohibitively complex
Solution Approach 2:
The simulation system is segmented into distinct functional components: the communication layer client for generating data traffic, the adapter for translation, and the DUT for testing. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the client can generate realistic traffic patterns while the adapter handles format conversion, thereby improving overall simulation accuracy without overwhelming system complexity
2Reliability
If external computer programs are used to generate data traffic, then realism of simulation improves, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter serves as a mediator between external computer programs and the DUT, translating high-level programming language transactions into DUT-compatible data. This allows external programs to generate realistic data traffic using familiar programming constructs while the adapter handles the complexity of format translation and timing control, maintaining ease of operation despite increased realism
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the adapter monitors and translates data traffic in real-time, allowing external programs to adjust their data generation based on DUT responses. This feedback loop enables realistic simulation scenarios while maintaining operational simplicity through automated adjustment rather than manual control of complex parameters
Data Source
AI summary
Computer-based simulation of a device under test (DUT) corresponding to a user circuit design includes providing an adapter configured to couple to the DUT during the computer-based simulation (simulation). The adapter is configured to translate incoming high-level programming language (HLPL) transactions into DUT compatible data for conveyance to the DUT and translate DUT compatible data generated by the DUT to outgoing HLPL transactions. A communication server is provided that couples to the adapter during the simulation. The communication server is configured to exchange the incoming and outgoing HLPL transactions with an entity executing external to the simulation. A communication layer client is provided that is configured to execute external to the simulation and exchange the incoming and outgoing HLPL transactions with the communication server. The communication layer client provides an application programming interface through which an external computer program generates data traffic to drive the DUT within the simulation.