Waveform Stimulus Generation via Schedule-Based API
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mechanisms for simulating waveform stimuli in circuit simulations are inefficient, requiring numerous API calls to toggle signal states repeatedly, leading to computational inefficiencies and verbose testbench code, especially when dealing with complex waveforms.
Innovation Solution
A single waveform API call is used to specify a sequence of signal states and their durations, allowing the simulator to apply these states without additional API calls, reducing computational demands and simplifying code by scheduling signal changes and repetitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple API calls are made to toggle signal states repeatedly, then signal state changes can be controlled precisely, but computational efficiency deteriorates and testbench code becomes verbose
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by preparing a complete schedule of signal states at multiple time intervals before the simulation runs. The testbench code specifies all future signal states in advance using a single API call, and the simulator executes this pre-planned sequence without requiring additional API calls during simulation. This eliminates the need for repeated API calls while maintaining precise control over signal state changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the waveform simulation into discrete time intervals with specified signal states. Each interval is defined in the schedule with its own time stamp and signal value, allowing the simulator to process each segment independently and efficiently without requiring continuous API intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple API calls are made to specify signal states sequentially, then signal waveform can be defined flexibly, but testbench code complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple API calls into a single comprehensive API call that specifies the entire waveform sequence. Instead of making separate API calls for each signal state change, the testbench code now makes one call that includes a complete schedule of all signal states at all time intervals, dramatically simplifying the testbench code while maintaining waveform definition flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal waveform specification mechanism that can handle various signal waveforms through a single API interface. The schedule-based approach provides a multi-functional solution that can represent different waveform patterns (periodic, transient, complex sequences) using the same underlying mechanism, eliminating the need for different code sequences for different waveform types.
3Reliability
If API calls are made for each signal state change, then simulation control is maintained, but computing resource demands increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces computing resource consumption by performing the control specification action in advance. The complete signal state schedule is prepared before simulation begins, allowing the simulator to execute the predetermined sequence efficiently without the overhead of processing multiple API calls during simulation. This maintains full simulation control while minimizing real-time computational demands.
Data Source
AI summary
Simulation of a waveform in a circuit simulation includes preparing, in response to a programming interface call by a testbench, a schedule of states of a signal at two or more intervals in the simulation by a simulator. The programming interface call specifies a sequence of the states and indicates durations of the states during the simulation. The signal is set to a first state of the sequence by the simulator during the simulation and then to a second state of the sequence according to the schedule.