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Introduction to SoC Prototyping Methods
Seamlessly Integrate Virtualizer Virtual Prototypes with HAPS Series FPGA-based Prototypes
Today, designers use two relatively independent methods for SoC prototyping:
- Transaction-level model (TLM)-based virtual prototyping
- FPGA-based prototyping
Virtual prototyping is ideal for accelerating pre-RTL software development by executing fast TLMs and providing more efficient debug and analysis scenarios. FPGA-based prototyping provides cycle-accurate, high-performance execution and real-world interface connectivity. Synopsys' hybrid prototyping solution blends the strengths of both virtual and FPGA-based prototyping to enable software development and system integration much sooner in the project lifecycle.
Synopsys' Hybrid Prototyping Solution
Synopsys' hybrid prototyping solution enables hardware and software engineers to:
- Get the best of both worlds with a hybrid prototype that seamlessly links virtual and FPGA-based prototypes
- Start multi-core SoC prototyping earlier and achieve high-performance execution of system-level models with directly connected real-world hardware interfaces
- Partition SoC design blocks between virtual and FPGA-based prototype environments to maximize overall prototype performance
- Improve debug visibility and control of software under development through the Virtualizer-based environment
- Accelerate system bring-up by using virtual prototyping for new design blocks and FPGA-based prototyping for existing logic
- Easily integrate high-performance ARM® Cortex™ processor models, transactors for ARM AMBA® interconnect and Synopsys DesignWare® IP with the rest of your design into a single hybrid prototype
Transactors and ProtoCompiler
Transactors for data exchange between virtual and FPGA-based prototypes are available for HAPS-80, HAPS-70, or HAPS-DX Series systems. ProtoCompiler is a comprehensive set of software tools and libraries to support hybrid prototyping or transaction-based verification.
Conclusion
Synopsys' hybrid prototyping solution marries the strengths of transaction-level model (TLM)-based virtual prototyping and FPGA-based prototyping, offering an integrated approach to system-on-chip (SoC) prototyping. This seamless integration allows for accelerated pre-RTL software development, high-performance execution, and real-world interface connectivity. It enables engineers to start prototyping earlier, optimize prototype performance, enhance debugging visibility, and expedite system bring-up. The solution also allows easy integration of high-performance ARM® Cortex™ processor models, transactors for ARM AMBA® interconnect, and Synopsys DesignWare® IP. With the addition of transactors for data exchange and ProtoCompiler for hybrid prototyping and verification support, Synopsys' solution significantly streamlines the prototyping and development process.
Scalable SoC Verification
Verify the entire SoC with industry-leading VCS® simulation, Verdi® debug, VC SpyGlass™ RTL static signoff, VC Formal™ Apps, and silicon-proven Verification.
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4 min read
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Jul 22, 2024
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