Distributed Circuit Simulation Synchronization via Phase Boundaries

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current synchronization processes in distributed circuit design simulations often lead to incorrect functionality determination due to under or over synchronization, increasing processing time and power requirements, and can result in non-deterministic outcomes due to timing differences between simulations.

Innovation Solution

A synchronization method that allows simulations to run asynchronously for most of the time, synchronizing only at the completion of common phases or based on a primary clock signal, ensuring deterministic results by maintaining a common synchronization clock across simulations and using wait commands in testbenches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If simulations are synchronized frequently to ensure deterministic results, then reliability is improved, but processing time and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeterministic resultsVSAvoidprocessing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic synchronization at phase boundaries rather than continuous synchronization. Simulations run asynchronously during phases and synchronize only at completion points, creating a periodic pattern that reduces overall synchronization frequency while maintaining determinism where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts synchronization frequency based on simulation phase. During active simulation phases, operations run asynchronously with minimal synchronization, while at phase boundaries, synchronization occurs to ensure deterministic state transitions. This dynamic approach optimizes the balance between reliability and processing time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If simulations are synchronized frequently to maintain determinism, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeterministic resultsVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Synchronization operations that consume power are performed periodically at phase boundaries rather than continuously. This reduces the total number of power-intensive synchronization events while maintaining deterministic behavior at critical transition points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically manages power consumption by enabling full synchronization only when necessary at phase boundaries, while allowing asynchronous operation during phases. This dynamic power management reduces overall power consumption while preserving determinism where required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If simulations run asynchronously to reduce processing time, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to timing differences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoiddeterministic results

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The simulation process is segmented into distinct phases with clear boundaries. Within each phase, simulations run asynchronously to maximize productivity, while phase boundaries provide natural synchronization points that ensure deterministic results. This segmentation allows asynchronous execution without compromising reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between asynchronous operation during phases (for productivity) and synchronous operation at phase boundaries (for reliability). This dynamic behavior allows the system to achieve both high productivity and deterministic results by adapting the synchronization level to the current simulation state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If distributed simulation is used to speed up circuit design verification, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimulation speedVSAvoidsynchronization system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The distributed simulation system is segmented into independent phases with well-defined interfaces. This segmentation simplifies the synchronization complexity by providing clear boundaries where synchronization occurs, rather than requiring complex continuous coordination between all simulation components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Synchronization occurs periodically at phase boundaries rather than continuously throughout the simulation. This periodic approach reduces the complexity of the synchronization system by limiting coordination events to specific moments, rather than requiring constant communication and coordination between distributed simulation components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS20230409788A1Synchronizing distributed simulations of a circuit design

Publication Date: 2023.12.21 SYNOPSYS INC

AI summary

A system and method for using a distributed simulation system includes simulating a first portion of the circuit design within a first simulation environment by a first client device to generate first simulation data. Further, a second portion of the circuit design is simulated within a second simulation environment by a second client device to generate second simulation data. The first simulation data and the second simulation data are generated asynchronously with each other. Further, the first simulation data and the second simulation data are received at a primary client device synchronously with each other.