SpringSoft Technology Newsletter - July 2010
Welcome to the SpringSoft Technology Newsletter. This is a monthly e-mail newsletter distributed to our customers, partners, and friends to provide information on our Novas Verification Enhancement and Laker Custom IC Design technologies. We hope the information in this newsletter will help you to use our products more effectively in your design and verification environments.
Please see the links at the end of this newsletter for subscription information or to provide feedback that will help us improve future editions.
Verification Tips:
Expand SystemVerilog Implicit Ports in Source Code View
SystemVerilog provides the ability for implicit port connections. Instead of specifying the detailed port connection every time, designers can use “.*” to specify port connections as long as the port name and size matches the connecting net or bus name and size.
Directly Import Liberty File
Previously if you had a Synopsys Liberty File (.lib file) and wanted to import it into the Verdi™ Automated Debug System as the symbol library, you had to use the syn2SymDB utility to pre-compile the file into Novas symbol library first and then it could be imported into the Verdi system. Starting from the Novas 2010.07 release version, the ability to directly import liberty files is provided. With this capability you can directly import the Synopsys Liberty File from the GUI or from the command line when invoking the Verdi system.
Certitude™ Methodology Primer: Early Application Provides Significant Value
The Certitude™ Functional Qualification System identifies holes and weaknesses in the verification environment that can let RTL bugs slip through the process undetected. Although you can apply Certitude at many different points throughout the verification process, experience has shown that an incremental approach beginning in the early stages is often best – providing immediate value and improving the verification environment over time while balancing resources vs. other verification activities.
Custom IC Design Tips:
Using PyCells in the Laker Matching Device Creator and Stick Diagram Window
Beginning in Q3, 2010, the OpenAccess version of Laker Custom Layout System will enable the use of interoperable PyCells™ with the popular Laker transistor-level floor planning tools, Matching Device Creator and Stick Diagram window. Previously this unique technology was only available for use with our patented Laker MCells™. With PyCell “stretch handle” and auto-abut capabilities enabled, PyCell placement results can be optimized in the same way as when using MCells; you no longer to have to select and place each PyCell manually.
Technical Articles:
Getting Productive! – Components in Electronics; June 2010
Power has emerged as a major concern in IC design. Emerging power format standards allow one power definition to be used starting from the early stage of design and throughout the complete design, verification and implementation cycle. However these standards also increase complexity in verification and debug.
Technical Papers:
PCell Caching in OpenAccess
In computer programs, caching is used to store the output from commonly used functions on the disk so that, when executing a repeated instruction, the results may be obtained more quickly without having to reprocess the request. This same mechanism can be used to speed up the display of parameterized cells (PCells) in custom IC design. Some Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools cache PCells automatically for performance reasons; some require additional licenses; and others offer no caching at all. In addition to the performance benefits, PCell caching can be used to make tool-specific PCells visible in other tools in the design flow.
Current Product
Versions:
Certitude 2010.07
Verdi/Siloti 2010.07
Laker 2010.05 (Open Access version)
ADP 2010.02 (Open Access version)
Laker 2010.03 (Laker db version)
ADP 2010.03 (Laker db version)
Need to update your version? Go to www.springsoft.com/support
Events:
SpringSoft Community Conferences (SCC’s)
SCC’s worldwide will be beginning this September.
Click here to see this year’s schedule and to register to attend.
SpringSoft Community
News!
In the past few months we have added some new features to our website, have you seen them yet?
Video Hints &
Tips - Watch quick tips on how to use SpringSoft products more effectively
EDA
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We'd appreciate hearing your suggestions, comments or questions about the SpringSoft Newsletter. Please feel free to contact Karim Azar at +1 (408) 467.7860 or karim_azar@springsoft.com
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