Gate Level to RTL Dump Conversion for IC Debugging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Debugging integrated circuit (IC) designs at the gate level can be challenging due to the loss of hierarchical structure, making it difficult for designers to understand and identify signal errors, as the conversion from register transfer level (RTL) to gate level design eliminates the familiar hierarchical nature, complicating the debugging process.
Innovation Solution
The method involves processing gate level dump files to generate RTL dump files, which reference signals according to their positions in the hierarchical RTL design, allowing designers to debug the RTL design based on simulation or emulation results, and converting IC tester outputs into RTL dump files to facilitate debugging at the RTL level, enabling easier comprehension and identification of signal behaviors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the design is converted from RTL to gate level, then the logic implementation detail is improved, but the ease of debugging deteriorates due to loss of hierarchical structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer that maps gate level signals back to their corresponding RTL hierarchy levels. The dump file processing system acts as a mediator between the gate level simulation results and the RTL design view, translating signal names and positions to maintain hierarchical context during debugging.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of the RTL hierarchy structure within the gate level dump file processing. By generating RTL-level signal names and hierarchical positions from gate level data, the system produces a simplified representation that preserves the original design structure for easier debugging.
2Measurement precision
If gate level simulation is used, then the accuracy of signal behavior analysis is improved, but the complexity of understanding the design deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the gate level dump file into hierarchical sections corresponding to RTL modules. The signal behavior data is organized and presented in segments that map to specific RTL hierarchy levels, allowing analysts to examine detailed gate level information while maintaining high-level structural context.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a hierarchical dimension to the gate level signal data by mapping each gate level signal to its corresponding RTL hierarchy level. This dimensional transformation enables simultaneous viewing of detailed gate level behavior and high-level structural organization.
3Manufacturing precision
If the hierarchical structure is eliminated in gate level design, then the implementation detail is improved, but the ease of detecting errors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that continuously map gate level signal behaviors back to their RTL hierarchy equivalents during simulation and testing. This feedback loop enables real-time correlation of detailed signal data with hierarchical structure, facilitating easier error detection while maintaining implementation precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A synthesizer or emulator processes a gate level IC design derived from an RTL design to produce a gate level dump file indicating how signals of the gate level design behave. The gate level dump file is converted into an RTL dump file indicating how signals of the RTL design behave. A debugger processes the RTL dump file to produce displays depicting the RTL design and behavior of signals indicated by the RTL dump file. Thus while the IC is simulated or emulated at the gate level of the design to produce waveform data for a debugger, the gate level-to-RTL dump file conversion process enables a designer debug the more familiar RTL design based on the gate level simulation or emulation results. file conversion process enables a designer debug the more familiar RTL design based on the gate level simulation or emulation results.