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NEXT (Formally Synthesised Bus Monitor)
Validation using Simulation
The alternative to formal verification is validation using extensive simulation and overnight testing of the day's work
using regression testing.
Can either write a RTL or ESL yes/no automaton as part of the test bench.
Spool
outputs to file and diff against golden with PERL script.
Downfall of simulation: it's non-exhaustive and time consuming.
ABD benefits (and challenges):
- Completeness (how to define this?)
- Scalability (tools limited in practice?),
- Rare corner situations (unusual conjunctions of events) are covered.
But: Simulations
- are needed for performance analysis and general design confidence,
- can generate some production test vectors.
- can be partly formal: using bus monitors for dynamic validation and Specman/VERA constrained pattern generators for stimulus.