RTL Auto-Integration via Spreadsheet Port Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for register transfer level (RTL) integration are labor-intensive and time-consuming, requiring skilled engineers to manually code, especially for large systems on chip (SoC), and make it difficult to reuse existing RTL designs for modifications, leading to inefficiencies and increased development time.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for RTL auto-integration using a spreadsheet that automates the process by receiving input on connection relationships between devices, matching ports using a naming matching algorithm, and converting the spreadsheet data into RTL code, thereby reducing manual coding efforts and facilitating reuse of existing designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual RTL coding is performed by skilled engineers, then the RTL integration can be completed with high precision, but the development time becomes excessively long (more than one month for large SoC)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses spreadsheet templates that can be copied and reused for different RTL integration projects. Once a template is created with proper formatting and connection relationships, it can be replicated for multiple designs, eliminating the need to manually code from scratch each time while maintaining consistency and precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service RTL integration by allowing engineers to define connection relationships in a spreadsheet format that automatically generates RTL code through conversion. This eliminates the need for skilled manual coding while maintaining acceptable precision through automated code generation and verification
2Productivity
If existing RTL designs are modified for new SOC applications, then design reuse can reduce development effort, but the existing RTL code is difficult to adapt and reuse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the RTL design into modular components represented in the spreadsheet, where each device and its ports are separate entities. This modular structure allows existing designs to be easily adapted by modifying individual components or connection relationships without redesigning the entire system, thereby improving both reuse efficiency and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows modification of design parameters directly in the spreadsheet format, such as changing connection relationships, port mappings, and device configurations. These parameter changes automatically reflect in the generated RTL code, making it easy to adapt existing designs to new applications while maintaining productivity
3Productivity
If automated RTL integration is implemented using spreadsheet conversion, then the development time is significantly reduced, but the complexity of the conversion system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spreadsheet as an intermediary format between human design intent and automated RTL code generation. The spreadsheet serves as a simplified intermediate representation that captures connection relationships in a structured but accessible format, reducing the complexity burden on the conversion system while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The spreadsheet-based approach provides a universal interface that can handle multiple types of RTL integration tasks through a single conversion system. The same spreadsheet format and conversion process can be applied to different designs, device types, and connection scenarios, managing system complexity through standardized multi-functional processing
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method for RTL auto-integration using a spread sheet and a recording medium thereof are provided. A method for RTL auto-integration including receiving an input indicating a connection relationship between a first device and a second device through a spread sheet, matching a first port included in the first device to a second port included in the second device using a naming matching algorithm, and converting the spread sheet into an RTL code using a result of the matching, wherein the naming matching algorithm matches the first port to the second port having a port name most similar to a first port name of the first port.