Processor Core Verification Using Triggered Simulated Interaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of processors makes it impractical to efficiently simulate and verify processor cores due to the impracticality of formal proof and the size of the test space of exhaustive simulation, rendering existing verification methods ineffective.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for functional verification of processor cores using a simulation environment, where a simulation is commenced with a processor core model, and a trigger condition is monitored to change the architected state, enabling simulated interaction with another entity without modeling the entire hardware, thus reducing resource demand and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If exhaustive simulation is used to verify processor cores, then verification completeness is improved, but computational time and resource consumption increase exponentially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a simulation environment as an intermediary layer between the processor core model and the verification process. This environment enables targeted commands to be issued to specific entities (such as memory controllers or cache subsystems) without requiring full system simulation, thereby reducing computational resources while maintaining verification effectiveness through selective interaction modeling
Solution Approach 2:
The verification process is segmented into independent test cases that can be executed selectively. Each test case targets specific functionality or interaction scenario, allowing the verification to focus on critical paths rather than exhaustively simulating all possible states. This segmentation enables parallel execution and reduces overall computational burden while maintaining comprehensive coverage of important verification objectives
2Reliability
If formal proof methods are used for processor verification, then verification rigor is improved, but complexity and practical applicability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy or model of the processor core and its surrounding environment within the simulation framework. This model captures the essential behavioral characteristics and interaction protocols without requiring formal mathematical proofs. By working with this executable model rather than formal specifications, the verification achieves practical applicability while maintaining rigor through systematic testing of critical behaviors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces formal proof mechanisms with a simulation-based verification approach. Instead of using mathematical logic and theorem proving, the system uses executable models that can be run, monitored, and analyzed to verify processor behavior. This substitution maintains verification rigor through systematic testing while dramatically reducing the complexity barrier to practical application
3Measurement precision
If detailed hardware modeling is performed, then verification accuracy is improved, but simulation speed and resource consumption decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by modeling only the essential hardware components and interaction protocols needed for verification, rather than creating complete detailed models of all hardware subsystems. The simulation environment includes sufficient detail to accurately verify processor behavior for specific test cases while omitting unnecessary complexity in other areas, thereby achieving adequate verification accuracy without the computational burden of full hardware modeling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic adjustment of simulation parameters and model detail levels based on the specific verification objectives. For critical verification scenarios, the model can be configured with higher detail and slower execution to ensure accuracy, while less critical scenarios can use simplified models with faster execution. This parameter flexibility allows optimization between verification accuracy and simulation speed for different test cases
Data Source
AI summary
Simulated interaction between processor hardware as part of processor functional verification includes, in an example, commencing a simulation in a simulation environment. The simulation executes a test case using a model of a processor core for functional verification of the processor core. It also includes monitoring progression of the simulation for a trigger condition for simulated interaction. Based on recognizing the trigger condition for simulated interaction at a point in the test case, it additionally includes changing an architected state of the model, where the changing directs the progression of the simulation, at the point in the test case, to simulate interaction between the processor core and another executing entity. Based on a determination to end the simulated interaction, it further includes continuing progression of the simulation from the point in the test case.