Unified Simulation System for Hardware-Software Co-Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current modeling and simulation methods for computer hardware systems are inefficient due to the need for manual generation of unit specifications and translators between components at different levels of abstraction, leading to time-consuming and error-prone processes, especially when combining high-level software models with low-level hardware models.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses distributed simulation elements to communicate and manage the simulation of hardware-implemented components, allowing for automatic simulation of systems with components specified at varying levels of abstraction by instantiating entities within a hierarchy and translating specifications between programming languages like VHDL or Verilog, thereby reducing computational overhead and bottlenecks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual generation of unit specifications and translators is used, then flexibility in modeling is maintained, but time consumption and error rates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic generation of unit specifications and translators through computer processing, where the modeling system itself performs the translation and specification generation without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach eliminates the time-consuming manual process while preserving modeling flexibility through automated algorithms that can handle various abstraction levels.
2Measurement precision
If separate simulators are used for each component, then simulation accuracy is maintained, but computational overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate simulators into a single unified simulation environment that can handle components at different abstraction levels simultaneously. This consolidated approach maintains simulation accuracy through a hierarchical architecture while reducing computational overhead by eliminating redundant simulator processes and enabling shared resources.
3Adaptability or versatility
If high-level software models are combined with low-level hardware models, then comprehensive system simulation is achieved, but translation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces automated translators as intermediary components that bridge the gap between high-level software models and low-level hardware models. These translators automatically convert specifications and data between different abstraction levels, enabling comprehensive system simulation while managing translation complexity through standardized interfaces and automated processing.
4Measurement precision
If detailed RTL design is created for all components, then simulation precision is improved, but development time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the simulation process into different abstraction levels, allowing components to be modeled at appropriate levels of detail rather than requiring uniform detailed RTL design for all components. This segmentation enables simulation precision where needed while reducing development time for components that can be adequately modeled at higher abstraction levels.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for modeling and simulating a system comprising first and second interrelated components is disclosed. The method comprises modeling the behavior of said first and second components using first and second specifications. Each of said first and second specifications includes a functional specification and an associated simulation element. The method further comprises simulating the behavior of said first and second components using said first and second specifications. The simulation elements communicate with one another to provide a simulation system.