Verifying Multi-Lane Cross-Connections With Randomized Testbench Parameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-lane environments with high-speed interfaces, establishing a one-to-one connection between chips on printed circuit boards (PCBs) can be challenging due to physical constraints, leading to the need for cross-connections, which are difficult to verify efficiently using existing methods.
Innovation Solution
A method for verifying cross-connections in a multi-lane environment using a single testbench, involving randomization of lane indices and automatic assignment of randomized values to cross-connection defines, followed by verification using a protocol-specific mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If cross-connections are used to handle physical lane connection challenges, then adaptability to different chip placements is improved, but verification complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the cross-connection mapping parameters (lane index mappings) to cover different verification scenarios. The verification process iterates through multiple parameter sets representing different cross-connection configurations, allowing comprehensive verification without requiring separate testbenches for each scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a single testbench that can verify multiple cross-connection scenarios through parameterization. The testbench is configured with configurable lane mappings and can adapt to verify different cross-connection patterns by changing parameters rather than requiring separate verification environments for each case.
2Reliability
If multiple testbenches are used to verify different cross-connection scenarios, then verification coverage is improved, but resource usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by creating a single multi-functional testbench that can verify all cross-connection scenarios through parameter configuration. The testbench includes configurable lane mappings and verification logic that adapts to different cross-connection patterns, eliminating the need for multiple separate testbenches while maintaining comprehensive verification coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes to enable one testbench to cover multiple verification scenarios. By parameterizing the lane mappings and cross-connection configurations, the same testbench infrastructure can verify different scenarios by loading different parameter sets, thereby reducing resource requirements while maintaining verification completeness.
3Measurement precision
If manual verification methods are used for cross-connections, then verification precision can be maintained, but verification time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing automated verification logic that performs cross-connection validation without manual intervention. The verification system automatically configures test parameters, executes verification sequences, and generates results, maintaining precision through systematic automated checking while significantly reducing the time required compared to manual verification processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual verification mechanics with automated electronic verification systems. The verification process uses automated testbenches and protocol-specific mechanisms to perform what would otherwise require manual configuration and checking, thereby maintaining verification precision while eliminating the time-consuming manual operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An approach for verifying a cross-connection of lanes in a multi-lane environment using a single testbench-is provided. The approach may include providing a physical receiver lane index associated with a local device and providing a physical transmitter lane index associated with a peer device. The approach may further include randomizing a number of connected receiver lanes associated with the local device and a number of connected receiver lanes associated with the peer device. The approach may further include randomizing the physical receiver lane index and the physical transmitter lane index to generate a unique cross connection including randomized values. The approach may also include assigning the randomized values to one or more randomized cross connection defines. The approach may further include passing the cross connection defines to the single testbench and verifying each possible cross connection using a protocol specific mechanism.