Mixed-Signal Power Network Connection Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for verifying power-aware mixed-signal circuit designs face challenges in coordinating power specifications and interconnections across analog and digital domains, particularly in mixed-signal simulations involving multiple power domains, which requires more dynamic interoperation and accurate validation of interfaces and interactions.
Innovation Solution
The development of a system and method that automatically connects power sources and inserts necessary convertors based on Unified Power Format (UPF) specifications, enabling power-aware mixed-signal simulation and verification without manual intervention, by using connect modules like real-to-electrical and electrical-to-real converters to facilitate communication between different power domains and simulators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual methods are used to connect power sources and insert converters in mixed-signal simulations, then design flexibility and accuracy can be maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically connects power sources and inserts converters by analyzing the netlist and power specification itself, without requiring external manual intervention. The verification tool performs self-service by autonomously identifying power domains, determining connection requirements, and generating the necessary power management infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the design netlist and power specification before simulation begins, pre-establishing power domain boundaries, identifying required converters, and configuring power sources in advance. This preliminary action prepares the power management infrastructure before the actual simulation runtime.
2Productivity
If automated methods are used to connect power sources and insert converters, then verification efficiency improves, but accuracy and control may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the verification tool continuously monitors the simulated power domains, compares actual connections against the power specification, and automatically adjusts or inserts missing converters to maintain accuracy. The system feedback loop ensures that automated connections meet precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its connection strategy based on the specific design being verified. Rather than applying fixed automated rules, the tool analyzes each unique power domain configuration and dynamically determines the appropriate connection method, converter placement, and power source allocation to achieve both efficiency and accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple simulator languages and data representations are supported, then design flexibility increases, but coordination and integration become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces an intermediary layer that translates between different simulator languages and data representations. This intermediary verification tool acts as a mediator that reads various input formats, standardizes the internal representation, and generates appropriate output for different simulators, thereby supporting multiple languages without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The verification tool is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple simulator languages and data representations through a single unified interface. Rather than requiring separate tools for each simulator type, the system implements multi-functionality that adapts to different input formats and generates appropriate output for various simulation environments.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and computer program product for determining whether a design for a circuit meets design specifications, to facilitate the provision of a manufacturable description of the circuit. A computer-operated circuit simulation tool reads the design for the circuit and a power specification, and selectively internally creates a network connection and inserts a corresponding connect module in the design, for at least one circuit block having an unsupported signal declared in the power specification. Typically such a circuit block will be an analog block, whether an original analog block or an analog representation of a digital block, and may involve electrical or wreal signal interactions. The simulation tool performs a mixed-signal simulation of the design. Embodiments tangibly output a verification determination from a comparison of the simulated design performance results and the design specifications in order to provide the manufacturable description of the circuit.