Packet Class Verification Using Injection Flags
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Solution Overview
Problem
In device verification, particularly for Ethernet Network Controllers, existing methods generate random simulation vectors that often result in repeated packet classes, leading to inefficient and time-consuming re-testing of the same packet classes.
Innovation Solution
The method employs 1-bit injection flags for each packet class, initially set to 0, where a test is run if the flag is 0 and the flag is set to 1 upon successful generation, discarding duplicates and ensuring each class is tested only once.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If random packet combinations are generated for verification, then comprehensive coverage of all legal packet classes is achieved, but repeated testing of the same packet class occurs, increasing time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by maintaining a bitmap data structure that records which packet classes have already been tested before generating new test packets. This pre-recorded information allows the system to immediately identify and skip repeated packet classes, preventing time-wasting re-testing while ensuring comprehensive coverage through systematic tracking of tested classes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the bitmap to provide real-time information about which packet classes have been tested. When a new packet is generated, the system checks the bitmap to see if the corresponding packet class has been tested before, and adjusts its behavior accordingly - either testing the new class or skipping it if already tested. This feedback mechanism efficiently eliminates repetitions.
2Ease of manufacture
If random simulation vectors are used, then packet generation is simple, but repeated packet classes result in inefficient re-testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary - the bitmap data structure - that mediates between the simple random packet generation process and the need for efficient testing. The bitmap acts as a mediator that records tested packet classes and provides this information back to the generation process, allowing the system to maintain simplicity in packet generation while achieving high testing efficiency by skipping repeated classes.
3Reliability
If all legal packet classes are tested, then verification completeness is ensured, but redundant testing of same packet class increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the set of all legal packet classes into distinct groups and using the bitmap to track which segments have been tested. This segmentation approach allows the system to systematically work through each packet class exactly once, ensuring verification completeness while managing complexity through organized, segmented testing rather than chaotic re-testing.
Data Source
AI summary
In the present method for use in verification of a device, a plurality of injection flags are provided, each of which is associated with one of a plurality of packet classes. Each injection flag may be of a first or a second state. Next, a packet is generated. If the injection flag of the packet class of the generated packet is in the second state, it is indicated that a packet of that packet class has already been generated, and the device is not tested. If the injection flag of the packet class of the generated packet is in the first state, the device is tested and the injection flag of the packet class of the generated packet is set to the second state. The process is repeated, the running of subsequent tests being determined by the state of the injection flag of the packet class of the generated packet.