Protocol-Agnostic Performance Analysis in UVM Test Benches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic design verification methods lack efficient tools for pre-silicon performance analysis, leading to increased development costs and potential customer-visible performance issues due to inadequate performance testing early in the design process.
Innovation Solution
A protocol-agnostic performance data provisioning, collection, and analysis system integrated with the Universal Verification Methodology (UVM) test bench, enabling the capture and calculation of performance measurements such as bandwidth, utilization, and latency, independent of underlying protocols, to improve interoperability and reduce development costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If functional verification testing is performed using traditional methods, then functional expectations can be verified, but performance analysis capabilities are insufficient leading to late detection of performance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges functional verification testing with performance analysis by integrating performance measurement components into the existing UVM test bench framework. The verification reference model and scoreboards are enhanced to simultaneously capture both functional correctness and performance metrics (bandwidth, latency, utilization) from the same transaction-level monitoring infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate performance testing tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal performance measurement system that can analyze multiple performance parameters (bandwidth, latency, utilization) across different protocols and electronic designs using a single integrated framework. The protocol-agnostic approach allows the same test bench infrastructure to serve both functional verification and comprehensive performance analysis purposes.
2Loss of time
If performance testing is conducted early in the design process, then performance issues can be detected sooner, but current tools and methodologies are inadequate for effective pre-silicon analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary performance analysis by capturing performance data during the functional verification testing phase itself, before silicon implementation. The system proactively measures bandwidth, latency, and utilization metrics during software-based functional testing, allowing performance issues to be identified and addressed in the design phase rather than after hardware fabrication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies and models of the electronic design under test within the UVM test bench environment. By simulating the electronic design's behavior through virtual instrumentation and protocol-agnostic monitoring, the system can perform performance analysis on software models before the actual hardware is available, eliminating the need for complex physical test equipment.
3Measurement precision
If protocol-specific performance analysis is performed, then accurate measurements can be obtained, but the analysis becomes tied to specific protocols reducing versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces protocol-agnostic performance data as an intermediary layer between the physical protocol signals and the performance analysis logic. Instead of directly analyzing protocol-specific signals (which would tie the system to particular protocols), the system captures universal performance metrics (bandwidth, latency, utilization) that are independent of the underlying protocol, allowing the same analysis framework to work across different protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms protocol-specific measurements into universal performance parameters. By focusing on measuring bandwidth, latency, and utilization rather than protocol-specific signal characteristics, the system can accurately measure performance while remaining adaptable to different protocols. The measurement approach changes from protocol-centric to parameter-centric analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for evaluating an electronic design under test may be performed in an environment that includes a functional verification test bench having at least one verification component coupled to the electronic design under test. The method includes provisioning the functional verification test bench to provide protocol-agnostic performance data for activity of the electronic design under test during functional verification testing of the electronic design under test. The method further includes capturing at least a part of the protocol-agnostic performance data from the at least one verification component, and calculating, from the protocol-agnostic performance data, a performance measurement for the electronic design under test.