Analog Verification Command Translation System

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Solution Overview

Problem

The verification of complex analog and mixed signal integrated circuits is hindered by inefficiencies in simulation speed, memory utilization, and manual verification processes, leading to increased computational demands and resource costs, particularly in the context of growing circuit complexity and the need for timely market releases.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented system and method that translates indirect branch contribution statements into direct branch contribution operators, generating a netlist to enhance the efficiency of verification commands, allowing for more automated and resource-effective verification processes, particularly by using the AMSTL language to capture complex relationships and translate them into standardized analog hardware description languages like Verilog-A/AMS.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual verification processes are used to ensure thorough circuit review, then verification accuracy is improved, but verification time and resource costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification accuracyVSAvoidverification time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an automated verification system that acts as an intermediary between the circuit design and manual verification processes. This system uses machine learning models to automatically analyze circuit behavior, generate test cases, and identify potential issues, thereby reducing the time and resources required for manual verification while maintaining high accuracy through the complementary role of human experts reviewing automated results.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical verification processes with an automated computational verification system. The system uses algorithms, machine learning models, and computer-based simulation to perform verification tasks that were traditionally done manually, significantly reducing verification time while maintaining or improving accuracy through systematic and repeatable automated analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If extensive verification review is conducted to ensure circuit functionality, then verification completeness is improved, but computational processing power requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveverification completenessVSAvoidcomputational processing power
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing early-stage verification activities during the design phase rather than waiting for complete circuit implementation. The system generates and executes verification test cases incrementally as design components are developed, identifying and resolving issues early when they are less costly to fix, thereby reducing the need for extensive computational resources during later verification stages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the verification process into modular, independent verification units that can be executed separately and in parallel. The system divides the circuit into functional blocks and verifies each block independently using targeted test cases, reducing the computational burden compared to verifying the entire circuit as a single unit while maintaining comprehensive verification coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If verification occurs at the end of the design cycle to ensure circuit compliance, then specification compliance is improved, but time-to-market increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespecification complianceVSAvoidtime-to-market
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary verification actions throughout the design cycle rather than waiting until the end. The system continuously performs verification activities on incomplete designs, checking specification compliance incrementally as design components are added or modified. This early and ongoing verification allows issues to be detected and resolved during design development, eliminating the need for time-consuming end-of-cycle verification while ensuring specification compliance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates continuous feedback mechanisms where verification results are immediately fed back to the design process. The system monitors circuit behavior against specifications in real-time during simulation and design iterations, providing immediate feedback on compliance status. This enables designers to adjust the circuit design promptly to meet specifications, avoiding delays associated with discovering compliance issues only at the end of the design cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9715566B2Computer implemented system and method of translation of verification commands of an electronic design
Publication Date: 2017.07.25 ZIPALOG
  • US9715566B2 patent drawing
  • US9715566B2 patent drawing
  • US9715566B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A computer implemented method of translation of verification commands of an electronic design, comprises the steps of receiving the electronic design, receiving at least one analog test harness model having at least one indirect branch contribution statement, translating the at least one indirect branch contribution statement into a plurality of direct branch contribution operators based at least in part upon the at least one analog test harness model and generating a netlist based at least in part upon the translation.