Automated Assume Property Extraction from Constrained Random Test-Bench
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional formal property verification tools are difficult to use due to the challenging task of creating assume properties, which are essential for constraining the environment in which a design-under-test (DUT) operates, especially when dealing with complex integrated circuits.
Innovation Solution
A system that automatically extracts assume properties from a constrained random test-bench, modifying it to be compatible with formal property verification tools, thereby eliminating the need for users to manually create these properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If users manually create assume properties for formal property verification, then verification accuracy is improved, but time consumption and difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically extracting assume properties from the constrained random test-bench without requiring manual user input. The extraction process is performed autonomously by analyzing the test-bench code and generating corresponding assume properties, thereby eliminating the time-consuming manual creation process while maintaining verification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that acts as a bridge between the constrained random test-bench and the formal property verification tool. This intermediary automatically translates test-bench constraints into formal assume properties, resolving the contradiction by automating the translation process and eliminating manual intervention while ensuring accurate property generation.
2Reliability
If users manually create assume properties, then property accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically generating assume properties from the test-bench without requiring user expertise in formal verification. Users simply provide the constrained random test-bench, and the system autonomously extracts and generates the necessary assume properties, making the process easy to operate while maintaining high property accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediary extraction system serves as a mediator that handles the complex task of converting test-bench constraints into formal assume properties. This eliminates the need for users to manually create properties, significantly improving ease of operation while ensuring accurate property generation through systematic analysis of the test-bench constraints.
3Reliability
If conventional formal property verification tools are used, then verification capability is maintained, but device complexity increases due to manual property creation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically generating assume properties from the constrained random test-bench, eliminating the need for manual property creation. This automation reduces process complexity significantly while maintaining verification capability, as the system handles the complex task of property extraction and generation autonomously without requiring user expertise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary extraction and modification system that simplifies the overall verification process. This intermediary automatically processes the test-bench and generates compatible assume properties, reducing the complexity burden on users while preserving the verification capability of formal property verification tools.
4Ease of operation
If assume properties are automatically extracted from constrained random test-bench, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to extraction and modification processes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically executing the extraction and modification processes without user intervention. Although the internal processes are complex, they are encapsulated within the system, presenting a simple interface to users who only need to provide the test-bench and receive the verified results, thereby improving ease of operation while managing internal complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction and modification system acts as an intermediary that handles the complexity internally. It processes the constrained random test-bench, extracts constraints, modifies them into formal assume properties, and outputs results compatible with verification tools. This intermediary approach shields users from complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention provides systems and techniques to extract assume properties from a constrained random test-bench. During operation, the system can receive a constrained random test-bench for verifying the design-under-test (DUT), wherein the constrained random test-bench includes a statement which assigns a random value to a random variable according to a constraint. Next, the system can modify the constrained random test-bench by replacing the statement with another statement which assigns a free input variable's value to the random variable. The system can also add a statement to the constrained random test-bench that toggles a marker variable to localize the scope of the statement. The system can then generate an assume property which models the constraint on the free input variable. The assume property can then be used by a formal property verification tool to verify the DUT.