Domain Crossing Verification Using Assumption Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current domain crossing analysis tools in integrated circuit (IC) design lack a mechanism to verify assumptions made by circuit designers, particularly before synthesis, and are not linked to implementation verification tools, leading to potential system errors due to unresolved domain crossing issues.
Innovation Solution
A technique that involves receiving a data object representation of an electrical circuit, performing domain crossing checks, receiving an indication of assumptions for identified issues, converting the representation to a synthesized form, and determining verification checks based on these assumptions to validate the circuit design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If domain crossing checks are performed on RTL representation before synthesis, then potential system errors can be identified early, but there is no mechanism to verify assumptions made by designers and the checks are not linked to implementation verification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges domain crossing analysis with implementation verification by integrating the assumption verification mechanism into the existing verification flow. The verification engine that performs implementation verification is extended to also verify domain crossing assumptions, combining two previously separate functions into a unified system that reduces overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs domain crossing checks and assumption verification at the RTL representation stage before synthesis occurs. By conducting verification actions preliminarily, the system identifies and resolves potential errors early in the design process, preventing them from propagating to later implementation stages.
2Reliability
If assumption verification is integrated into the verification flow, then the likelihood of system errors is reduced, but the verification process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The verification engine is designed to perform multiple functions: both traditional implementation verification and the new domain crossing assumption verification. This multi-functional approach avoids creating a separate verification system, thereby managing complexity while enhancing reliability through comprehensive verification.
3Loss of time
If domain crossing analysis is performed at RTL level, then verification can be done before synthesis, but the analysis tools lack integration with implementation verification tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the verification engine uses information from implementation verification to validate assumptions made during RTL-level domain crossing analysis. This feedback loop ensures consistency between early-stage analysis and later implementation, enabling timely verification while managing integration complexity through structured information flow.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique for domain crossing verification including receiving a first data object representation of an electrical circuit, performing a domain crossing check on the first data object representation to identify a domain crossing issue, receiving an indication of an assumption for the identified domain crossing issue, converting the first data object representation of the electrical circuit to a second data object representation of the electrical circuit, wherein the second data object representation is synthesized based on the first data object representation, determining one or more verification checks based on the second data object representation and the assumption for the identified domain crossing issue, and performing the one or more verification checks on the second data object representation of the electrical circuit.