Unified Processor Model for Automated Design Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing processor design, validation, and verification processes are complex and time-consuming due to the manual iteration of changes in instruction sets and micro-architectures, leading to inconsistencies and inefficiencies in the development of application-specific instruction-set processors.
Innovation Solution
A unified architecture description language and a single processor model that integrates instruction set and micro-architecture details, combined with a random program generator for verification, automate the design, validation, and verification processes, reducing manual iterations and inconsistencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual iteration is used for processor design changes, then design flexibility is maintained, but development time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the processor model automatically generates instruction set models, validation tools, and verification environments without manual intervention. The unified processor model serves itself to produce all necessary design artifacts, eliminating the need for manual iteration while maintaining design flexibility through parameterizable models.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified processor model is created in advance with all instruction set and micro-architecture details integrated. This preliminary action allows all subsequent design iterations to be performed automatically by simply modifying the unified model parameters, rather than manually recreating multiple separate models for each iteration.
2Measurement precision
If separate models for instruction set and micro-architecture are used, then detailed validation is possible, but consistency and verification complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the instruction set model and micro-architecture model into a single unified processor model. This unified model contains both the behavioral description of instruction sets and the structural description of micro-architecture, eliminating the need for separate models and the complex verification processes required to ensure their consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified processor model serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the instruction set model and the micro-architecture model. This multi-functional model can be used for validation, verification, and generation of all design artifacts without requiring separate specialized models for each purpose.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate models are maintained for different processor aspects, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but manual synchronization becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate models for instruction sets, micro-architecture, and validation tools are merged into a single unified processor model. This eliminates the need for manual synchronization between multiple models, as changes are made in one place and automatically reflected throughout the entire design.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified model is created with all necessary processor aspects integrated from the beginning. This preliminary integration ensures comprehensive coverage of all processor functionalities while establishing a single source of truth that automatically maintains consistency across all design aspects.
4Ease of operation
If manual changes are made to processor specifications, then design control is maintained, but iteration speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides automated self-service where the unified processor model automatically generates all derived models and validation tools when specifications change. Designers maintain full control by modifying the unified model parameters, while the system handles all the repetitive generation and validation tasks automatically, dramatically increasing iteration speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated feedback loops where changes to the unified processor model are immediately validated and verified. The validation tools automatically check for consistency and generate reports, providing rapid feedback to designers without manual intervention, thus maintaining design control while accelerating iteration cycles.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for automatic design of a processor and programming and simulation tools, comprising developing a single model of a processor from processor's specifications; providing the single model of the processor to an Electronic Design Automation tool, which automatically generates a hardware description and programming and simulation tools from the single processor model, and automatically determines validity of the single model of the processor, is disclosed. The method further comprises automatic verification of the designed processor.