Event-driven Patents (Class 703/16)
  • Patent number: 7523384
    Abstract: A method for monitoring of and fault detection in an industrial process, comprising at least a first sub-process and at least one second sub-process arranged in a process chain, comprising, for the at least one second sub-process the steps of collecting data and calculating a multivariate sub-model based on the collected data, said method being characterized by the steps of receiving in the first sub-process from the at least second sub-process information related to the multivariate sub-model calculated for the at least second sub-process, collecting data related to the first sub-process, and calculating a multivariate sub-model for the first sub-process based on collected data and received information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Umetrics AB
    Inventor: Svante Wold
  • Patent number: 7519524
    Abstract: In a hardware definition language (HDL) file among one or more files, one or more design entities containing a functional portion of a digital system are specified. The one or more design entities logically contain a plurality of latches having a respective plurality of different possible latch values that each corresponds to a different configuration of the functional portion of the digital system. With one or more statements in the one or more files, a multi-level Dial tree is defined that includes a selective control Dial (SCDial) entity at an upper level that is associated with at least one design entity. The SCDial entity has a Dial input, a plurality of Dial outputs coupled to inputs of the plurality of lower level Dials, and a mapping table indicating a mapping between each of a plurality of possible input values of the Dial input and a respective one of a plurality of sets of output values for the plurality of Dial outputs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Bradley S. Nelson, Wolfgang Roesner, Derek Edward Williams
  • Publication number: 20090094014
    Abstract: A flexible method of mapping view components to data model objects in an object oriented system. The mapping manages navigating the data model graph to access data needed by the view component and to listen for events indicating changes within the data model graph and relevant to the view component. This mapping is extremely flexible in that the component can elect to receive one result for one input, one result for each of many inputs, multiple results for one input, or multiple results for each of multiple inputs, and the association used in the mapping internalizes the event management required for keeping the component up to date with the latest changes in the mapped data model.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Wynne Crisman
  • Patent number: 7512531
    Abstract: A method for specifying reactive systems using Dynamic State Machines (DSMs) is disclosed. The method extends statecharts in three areas. One is the integration of a group of related finite state machines (FSMs) into a single and powerful entity supporting multiple repeatable concurrent communication sessions. The second is the support for composite transitions to model various parallel event patterns or nested event patterns, which occur in the real world, and to significantly improve the readability of state diagrams. The third is the addition of a parallel-OR composite state to support the OR-termination semantics of a parallel composite state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: Daniel Shia
  • Patent number: 7512911
    Abstract: A parameterized cell library including variable names corresponding to characteristics of components on an integrated circuit design may reference variable values stored in a first rule layer via internally used rule names stored in a second rule layer. The first and second rule layers may be stored as association tables. The first rule layer may store rule names corresponding to one or more geometric constraints of the integrated circuit design, and the rule names may directly reference variable values derived from a technology manual. The second rule layer may store internally used rule names corresponding to rule names stored in the first rule layer, and the internally used rule names may reference the rule names stored in the first rule layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Lidor Goren, Alex Raphayevich, Tamara Aviv
  • Patent number: 7509599
    Abstract: An equivalency testing system, for formally comparing an RTLM and HLM, is presented. RTLM and HLM are first converted into DFGs RTLMDFG and HLMDFG. RTLMDFG and HLMDFG are then put into timestep form and are called RTLMts and HLMts. A test bench CSts is selected that couples RTLMts and HLMts. The combination of RTLMts[t], HLMts[t] and CSts[t] can have parts designated as datapath. Parts designated as datapath can be subject to a form of equivalence checking that seeks to prove equivalence by a form of inductive theorem proving. The theorem proving starts from initial conditions for HLMts[t] determined by partial execution of the HLM. CSts can be selected depending upon a classification of RTLMts and HLMts. Techniques for classifying RTLMts and HLMts, and for selecting a suitable CSts, are presented. The classifications can operate on non-DFG representations. The CSts generation techniques can be used with any formal analysis technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: Synopsys, Inc
    Inventors: Alfred Koelbl, Carl Preston Pixley
  • Patent number: 7506284
    Abstract: A method for simulating an integrated circuit includes performing a power supply voltage tuning operation to find a power supply voltage at which a simulation of the integrated circuit at an operating frequency passes a functional requirement, identifying a weak signal node based on the simulation result, and performing a size tuning operation on the weak signal node of the integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seuk-Whan Lee, Moon-Hyun Yoo, Joon-Ho Choi
  • Patent number: 7506286
    Abstract: Techniques and systems for debugging an electronic system having instrumentation circuitry included therein are disclosed. The techniques and systems facilitate analysis, diagnosis and debugging fabricated hardware designs at a Hardware Description Language (HDL) level. Although the hardware designs (which were designed in HDL) have been fabricated in integrated circuit products with limited input/output pins, the invention enables the hardware designs within the integrated circuit products to be comprehensively analyzed, diagnosed, and debugged at the HDL level at speed. The ability to debug hardware designs at the HDL level facilitates correction or adjustment of the HDL description of the hardware designs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Synopsys, Inc.
    Inventors: John Mark Beardslee, Nils Endric Schubert, Douglas L. Perry
  • Patent number: 7502728
    Abstract: Code coverage questions are addressed by a code coverage method that instruments an electronic module source design file with coverage probes and gives hierarchical names to the probes, then provides therefrom an instrumented gate level netlist. The instrumented netlist is run on a hardware emulator, executing reset trigger scripts to reset the branch and statement probes, and then a fully initialized design is driven in emulation on a simulated testbench from which the probe values are retrieved. These values can then be evaluated to determine the extent of code coverage. Various forms of coverage are supported including branch, statement, reset trigger and toggle coverage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Unisys Corporation
    Inventors: Steven T. Hurlock, Stephen Kun, Robert A. Johnson, Jeremy S. Nichols, Arthur J. Nilson
  • Patent number: 7500210
    Abstract: A method for circuit design includes performing a timing analysis of a design of a processing stage in an integrated electronic circuit, and specifying a cycle time of the circuit. Responsively to the cycle time and to the timing analysis, a window is identifying within the processing stage containing a set of connection points among the circuit components at which the processing stage may be split for addition of multithreading capability to the circuit. A subset of the connection points is selected, and splitter components are inserted at the connection points in the subset.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Mplicity Ltd.
    Inventors: Gil Vinitzky, Eran Dagan
  • Publication number: 20090048818
    Abstract: A simulation method of a logic circuit is provided. The simulation method includes operations dividing the logic circuit into a plurality of divided circuits, determining the divided circuit constructing a path circuit of the logic circuit, determining an auxiliary divided circuit that is the divided circuit not constructing the path circuit and affects on a simulation result of the path circuit. The method also includes executing a simulation calculation of a part of the circuit including the divide circuit constructing the path circuit and the auxiliary divided circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Applicant: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Miki TERABE
  • Patent number: 7493580
    Abstract: A computer-readable recording medium on which is recorded a program, which is used by a computer for estimating a critical path among a plurality of paths given as paths within an integrated circuit, for causing the computer to execute a process, the process comprising receiving from a memory inputs of a logic description for the integrated circuit, and the plurality of given paths, obtaining a path evaluation value, which represents a delay of a path, for each of the given paths, and prioritizing the paths according to evaluation values, and estimating a path having a large evaluation value as the critical path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Fujitsu Microelectronics Limited
    Inventor: Keisuke Horita
  • Publication number: 20090043559
    Abstract: The exemplary embodiments provide a computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program code for calculating the expected behavior of a group of hardware verification test cases. Batch simulation parameters are configured. A test case is submitted for evaluation. Historical performance data for test cases associated with the submitted test case is gathered. A set of performance statistics for the submitted test case is generated based on the historical performance data and the configured batch simulation parameters. A set of values for the submitted test is generated based on the generated performance statistics for the submitted test case and the historical performance data. The generated set of values and the generated set of performance statistics for the submitted test case are displayed to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventors: Michael L. Behm, Steven R. Farago, Bryan R. Hunt, Stephen McCants
  • Patent number: 7487484
    Abstract: A method for determining placement of circuitry during integrated circuit design. The method includes accessing a net list identifying circuitry connections. A plurality of individual net weights are assigned to nets in timing paths within the net list, the individual net weights being valid irrespective of physical design parameters. A composite net weight is determined for said timing paths, the composite net weight being in response to the plurality of individual net weights. Initial placement of the circuitry is determined in response to the composite net weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: James J. Curtin, Ray Raphy, Stephen Szulewski
  • Patent number: 7487480
    Abstract: A method of estimating a leakage for a plurality of transistors in an integrated circuit that accounts for narrow channel effects includes determining an expected total leaking transistor width for the collection; determining an expected total number of leaking transistors for the collection; determining an average width of a leaking transistor from the expected total leaking transistor width and expected total number of leaking transistors; estimating a leakage for a transistor of the average width; and determining the estimated leakage for the collection of transistors by multiplying the leakage for a transistor of the average width by the expected total number of leaking transistors for the collection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Bhavna Agrawal, David J. Hathaway, Peng Peng
  • Patent number: 7487477
    Abstract: A parametric-based design methodology interlocks the design of library elements used in a semiconductor product design with the testing protocol used for the resulting semiconductor products such that parametric assumptions made regarding library elements used in a semiconductor product design may be used to disposition products such as semiconductor chips incorporating a semiconductor product design. In particular, a parametric measurement element is incorporated into a product design along with one or more library elements, with the parametric measurement element used to test one or more parametric design points that are associated with the library elements when the product design is used in a manufactured product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jeanne Paulette Spence Bickford, John Robert Goss, Nazmul Habib, Robert J. McMahon
  • Publication number: 20090030666
    Abstract: Disclosed is a software entity for constructing a Hybrid Cycle Simulation model comprising Compiled Data Units (CDUs) for use in design verification. The simulation model may contain a plurality of 1-cycle CDUs, optimized for simulation throughput, and 2-cycle CDUs, optimized for simulation accuracy, or a mixture thereof. Utilizing a netlist tool extracting hierarchical design source components for use, the construction checks that all inputs and outputs of any hierarchical design source components bind, and employs Object Traversal Directives for incorporating the selected CDUs into the simulation model. A data management method is used for tracking the validity of the components in the model. Additionally, a software entity (FACDDR) permits high bandwidth simulation of design components normally requiring cycle accurate simulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Gary A. Van Huben, Edward J. Kamindki, JR., Elspeth Anne Iluston
  • Patent number: 7483825
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for constructing a Hybrid Cycle Simulation model comprising Compiled Data Units (CDUs) for use in design verification. The simulation model may contain a plurality of 1-cycle CDUs, optimized for simulation throughput, and 2-cycle CDUs, optimized for simulation accuracy, or a mixture thereof. Utilizing a netlist tool extracting hierarchical design source components for use, the construction checks that all inputs and outputs of any hierarchical design source components bind, and employs Object Traversal Directives for incorporating the selected CDUs into the simulation model. A data management method is used for tracking the validity of the components in the model. Additionally, a software entity (FACDDR) permits high bandwidth simulation of design components normally requiring cycle accurate simulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Gary A. Van Huben, Edward J. Kaminski, Jr., Elspeth Anne Huston
  • Patent number: 7484195
    Abstract: A method for performing sensitivity analysis on a circuit design is provided. The method initiates with identifying a partition of the circuit design. The method includes determining whether the partition belongs to a sensitivity graph, where the sensitivity graph represents a relationship between variables and parameters of the partition. If the partition belongs to the sensitivity graph, then the method includes, applying linear matrix factors to provide a solution to a system of linear equations and multiplying the solution by a vector to derive sensitivities for the circuit design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexander Korobkov
  • Publication number: 20090024379
    Abstract: Evaluation by logic simulation can be favorably performed. A target packet determination part determines if a target packet which is a response packet that is to be transmitted with respect to a request packet that is received is in a simulation result table. When there is a target packet, a response packet output reads out and transmits the target packet from the simulation result table. On the other hand, when there is no target packet, a system controller forces a logic simulator to perform logic simulation regarding the received request packet, disconnects a connection with an opposing connection device, so as to perform reconnection after completion of the logic simulation by the logic simulator. A table generating part writes the request packet and the response packet obtained by the logic simulator into the simulation result table, the request packet and the response packet being made correspondent to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2008
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: NEC ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Fumio TAKAHASHI
  • Patent number: 7480608
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of managing data results of simulation processing of a hardware description language (HDL) model based upon keywords. In accordance with the method, a restriction list associated with the HDL model is received. The HDL model has a maximum number of possible keyword/value pairs sets for which result data can be obtained, and the restriction list specifies a fewer number of keyword/value pair sets for which the result data can be queried based upon at least one keyword. In response to receipt of result data obtained by simulation of the HDL model, the result data are stored within a data storage subsystem by reference to the restriction list, such that particular result data attributable to each of the plurality of keyword/value sets is separately accessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Carol Ivash Gabele, Wolfgang Roesner, Derek Edward Williams
  • Patent number: 7480879
    Abstract: System and method for analyzing substrate noise is disclosed, which is capable of accepting inputs of increasing complexity and granularity. During the early phases, the tool can accept coarse circuit descriptions, such as gate level netlists. The tool is capable of generating rudimentary substrate models based on estimated die size, allowing the designer to have an early indication of potential substrate noise issues. During the middle phases, the tool can accept more accurate circuit descriptions, such as a SPICE netlist. A more detailed substrate model can be generated, which considers layout information, thereby allowing the designer to make layout and circuit modifications before the circuit is completed. Lastly, during final verification, the tool can accept an even more accurate netlist, such as a SPICE netlist that includes parasitic capacitance. The tool can also accept a more detailed substrate model and provides the substrate noise analysis necessary to finalize the design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Nisha Checka, Anantha Chandrakasan, Rafael Reif
  • Patent number: 7480609
    Abstract: A system for applying distributed software simulation techniques to hardware emulation may include a first hardware emulator mounted on a first expansion board at a first host, and a second hardware emulator mounted on a second expansion board at a second host. The first hardware emulator may be configured to emulate a first portion of a system under test, and the second hardware emulator may be configured to emulate a second portion of the system under test, and the first and second hardware emulators may coordinate an emulation of the system under test using one or more messages, i.e., a coordination of an emulation of the system under test may be accomplished using communications between the first and second hardware emulators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Sun Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Carl Cavanagh, Steven A. Sivier
  • Patent number: 7480882
    Abstract: This embodiment replaces the use of LBIST to get a pass or no-pass result. A selective signature feature is used to collect the top failing paths, by shmooing the chip over a cycle time. These paths can be stored on-chip or off-chip, for later use. Once the chip is running in the field for a certain time, the same procedure is performed to collect the top failing paths, and this is compared with the stored old paths. If the order of the top paths changes, it indicates that (for example) there is a path (not the slowest path before) that slows more than others, which could be potential reliability concern. Therefore, a potential reliability failure is identified in the field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Peilin Song, David Heidel, Franco Motika, Franco Stellari
  • Patent number: 7478352
    Abstract: A system and method for automatically generating a dynamic layout of a top-level canvas with an internal box layout structure providing a storage element, and a processing element capable of receiving requests to assign a plurality of components within the canvas; assessing both component data and associated connectivity data component related to components having associated parent and child data, and for components without a parent component; connectivity data associated with the component data; and automatically laying out the canvas. Boxes are created inside the top-level canvas diagram, which are sub-canvases to the top-level canvas. Each of these sub-canvases provides components, connectivity elements, and sub-canvases. The methodology is recursive so the diagram can have many levels of boxes inside of boxes. The canvases are positioned with the lowest level of sub-canvas and progressing outward to the next level of sub-canvas until the top-level canvas is displayed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Carey S. Chaplin, Monica C. Rosman Lafever, Patrick J. Eames
  • Patent number: 7478028
    Abstract: A programmed computer searches for functional defects in a description of a circuit undergoing functional verification in the following manner. The programmed computer simulates the functional behavior of the circuit in response to a test vector, automatically restores the state of the simulation without causing the simulation to pass through a reset state, and then simulates the functional behavior of the circuit in response to another test vector. A predetermined rule can be used to identify test vectors to be simulated, and the predetermined rule can depend upon a measure of functional verification, including the number of times during simulation when a first state transition is performed by a first-controller at the same time as a second state transition is performed by a second controller. During simulation of the test vectors, manually generated tests or automatically generated checkers can monitor portions of the circuit for defective behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Inventors: Chian-Min Richard Ho, Robert Kristianto Mardjuki, David Lansing Dill, Jing Chyuarn Lin, Ping Fai Yeung, Paul II Estrada, Jean-Charles Giomi, Tai An Ly, Kalyana C. Mulam, Lawrence Curtis Widdoes, Jr., Paul Andrew Wilcox
  • Patent number: 7478027
    Abstract: Systems, methods and media for simulation of integrated hardware and software designs are disclosed. More particularly, hardware and/or software for synchronizing cycle timers of an integrated hardware and software design are disclosed. One embodiment provides a system for simulating an integrated design. Embodiments may include one or more software components each having a single cycle timer and one or more hardware components each having a single cycle timer. Embodiments may also include a cycle synchronizer in communication with the one or more software components and the one or more hardware components that is adapted to call once per cycle the single cycle timers of the one or more software components and the one or more hardware components. In a further embodiment, the cycle synchronizer may be further adapted to call the single cycle timers of the components on the falling edge of the cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Oliver Keren Ban
  • Publication number: 20090012770
    Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus select state variables for, build state equations of, and simulate time-domain operation of an electronic circuit. The circuit is modeled with three branch types (inductor, resistor, voltage source in series; capacitor, resistor, current source in parallel; and switch), including four pre-defined switch types (unidirectional unlatched, bidirectional unlatched, unidirectional latched, and bidirectional latched). Automated analyses determine efficient state variables based on the currently active circuit topology, and state equations are built and applied. Switching logic determines when switch states change, and state equations for the new topology are either drawn from a cache (if the topology has already been processed) or derived anew. The switch control signals may be combined into a single switching variable, defined as a function of the state output.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Oleg Wasynczuk, Juri V. Jatskevich
  • Publication number: 20090006068
    Abstract: There is provided with a software executing device co-operating with a hardware circuit or a hardware simulator, including: a software executing unit configured to execute a software; an execution monitoring unit configured to monitor execution of the software by the software executing unit to sequentially obtain an execution state of the software; a determining unit configured to determine whether the software executing unit and the hardware circuit or the hardware simulator are to be synchronized based on an obtained execution state of the software; and a synchronization controlling unit configured to control synchronization between the software executing unit and the hardware circuit or the hardware simulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventor: Masato Igarashi
  • Publication number: 20090006067
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method a system for facilitating enhanced processing of state diagrams in a state diagram environment. The method may include top-down processing a current state in a state diagram environment; determining whether processing of the current state results in an exception event; and passing the exception event to a superstate that includes the current state when it is determined that the current state results in an exception event. The superstate may be made the current state and it may be determined whether the current state can handle the exception event. When it is determined that the current state cannot handle the exception event, it may be determined whether the current state has a second superstate that includes the current state. An error event may be output from the state diagram environment when it is determined that the current state does not have a second superstate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: The MathWorks, Inc.
    Inventors: Vijay Raghavan, Ebrahim Mehran Mestchian
  • Patent number: 7472054
    Abstract: An emulation-based event-wait simulator including an application module to configure and command verification processes on a design under test (DUT). An event dispatcher is in communication with the application module to deliver commands to the DUT. A plurality of transactors are in communication with the event dispatcher to forward the commands to the DUT. A channel controller is in communication with the transactors to process and forward the commands to the DUT, wherein the channel controller also receives messages from the DUT, processes the messages, and forwards the messages to the transactors for delivery to the event dispatcher and the application module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Luis A Garcia, Russell E Vreeland, Christopher B Novak, Gabriel G Marasigan, Christopher A Roussel
  • Patent number: 7472055
    Abstract: An emulation-based event-wait simulator including an application module to configure and command verification processes on a design under test (DUT). An event dispatcher is in communication with the application module to deliver commands to the DUT. A plurality of transactors are in communication with the event dispatcher to forward the commands to the DUT. A channel controller is in communication with the transactors to process and forward the commands to the DUT, wherein the channel controller also receives messages from the DUT, processes the messages, and forwards the messages to the transactors for delivery to the event dispatcher and the application module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Luis A Garcia, Russell E Vreeland, Christopher B Novak, Gabriel G Marasigan, Christopher A Roussel
  • Publication number: 20080312896
    Abstract: Sample-count feedback from bus functional models and a binary convergence algorithm are to generate optimal sampling values for an accelerator, or hardware assisted simulator. The simulator includes a bus functional model and a driver program. A software readable register maintains a count of a number of samples provided the simulator in execution of a transaction on the bus functional model. For each supported bus functional model, a sample count retrieved from the bus functional model and a last sampling value given the hardware assisted simulator is maintained, and a binary convergence algorithm applied to generate sampling values based on the last sampling value given to the hardware assisted simulator and the last actual sampling value used by a given bus functional model for a transaction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Publication date: December 18, 2008
    Inventors: Robert J. Devins, David W. Milton
  • Patent number: 7467365
    Abstract: This invention discloses a method for sanity checking integrated circuit (IC) designs based on one or more predefined sub-circuits with at least one predefined checking criteria, the method comprising automatically reading one or more netlists, identifying one or more sub-circuits in the netlists isomorphic to at least one of predefined sub-circuits, identifying one or more device parameters for sanity checking the identified sub-circuits, and comparing the identified device parameters against the predefined checking criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: George H. Chang, Yi-Kan Cheng, Chen-Teng Fan, Chen-Lin Yang, Yung-Chin Hou, Chu-Ping James Wang
  • Patent number: 7464018
    Abstract: A method of preventing trace data first-in-first-out buffer overflow in a pipelined data processor stops new instructions when a trace data first-in-first-out buffer is in danger of overflowing. The method also stalls a predetermined number of pipeline stages in the pipeline ahead of the first pipeline stage. The trace data first-in-first-out buffer is emptied while the pipeline is stalled. On restart, the stalled pipeline stages are restarted ahead of re-enabling new instructions. Asynchronous trigger events received during the stall may be buffered and unrolled in order or merely stored and applied simultaneously on restart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Manisha Agarwala, John M. Johnsen
  • Publication number: 20080294413
    Abstract: According to a method of simulation processing, an instrumented simulation executable model of a design is built by compiling one or more hardware description language (HDL) files specifying one or more design entities within the design and one or more instrumentation entities and instantiating instances of the one or more instrumentation entities within instances of the one or more design entities. Operation of the design is then simulated utilizing the instrumented simulation executable model. Simulating operation includes each of multiple instantiations of the one or more instrumentation entities generating a respective external phase signal representing an occurrence of a particular phase of operation and instrumentation combining logic generating from external phase signals of the multiple instantiations of the one or more instrumentation entities an aggregate phase signal representing an occurrence of the particular phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORP.
    Inventors: GABOR BOBOK, Wolfgang Roesner, Derek E. Williams
  • Patent number: 7454325
    Abstract: According to one method of simulation processing, a count event counter for a count event is created within instrumentation of a hardware description language (HDL) simulation model of a design and a threshold greater than 1 is established for the count event counter. The design is then simulated utilizing the HDL simulation model, and occurrences of the count event are accumulated in the count event counter to obtain a count event value. Thereafter, an indication of whether the count event value of the count event exceeds the threshold is recorded within a data storage subsystem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Lee Behm, Carol Ivash Gabele, Wolfgang Roesner, Derek Edward Williams
  • Patent number: 7454727
    Abstract: Relates to automatic conversion of assumption constraints, used in circuit design verification, that model an environment for testing a DUT/DUV, where the assumptions specify sequential behavior. Such assumptions are converted, with the use of logic synthesis tools, into a gate-level representation. For formal verification, a verification output is constructed from the gate-level representation and DUT/DUV assertion-monitoring circuitry. A formal verifier seeks to prove the verification output cannot indicate a design error. For simulation verification, the gate-level representation is converted into a hybrid representation comprising pipelines and combinational constraints. During simulation, the pipelines hold state information necessary for a solution, of the combinational constraints, to be in accord with the sequential assumption constraints. For certain sequential assumption constraints, the combinational constraints are insufficient to insure avoidance of deadend states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Synopsys, Inc.
    Inventors: Eduard Cerny, Ashvin Mark Dsouza, Kevin Michael Harer, Pei-Hsin Ho
  • Publication number: 20080281572
    Abstract: A logic design tool, a tool for analyzing soft error sensitivities in logic, and a program product for logic design. A particle generator simulates events likely to occur for a given operating environment. A pre-characterizer provides circuit block responses to simulated events. A circuit response simulator simulates events in a logic design and provides an indication of soft error sensitivity for the design. Based on the soft error sensitivity indication, the design may be modified to reduce the overall soft error sensitivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Ruchir Puri, Henry H. K. Tang, Kim Yaw Tong
  • Patent number: 7451426
    Abstract: An application specific configurable logic IP module includes (1) a system level configuration controller; (2) at least one standardized interconnect communicatively coupled to the system level configuration controller; (3) at least one standardized configuration port for programming the application specific configurable logic IP module; (4) an embedded programmable logic fabric, communicatively coupled to the system level configuration controller and the at least one standardized interconnect, for mapping arithmetic functions into standard cells; (5) at least one scalable configurable logic module; and (6) a programmable routing matrix. The system level configuration controller is suitable for selecting a standard for the at least one standardized interconnect, the at least one standardized configuration port, and a number of embedded programmable logic functions, and for controlling the programmable routing matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: LSI Corporation
    Inventor: Claus Pribbernow
  • Patent number: 7448008
    Abstract: Automated verification methodology parsing scripts auto generate testbench hardware design language, such as VHDL or Verilog, from the design source VHDL or Verilog. A formal verification model is then built comprising the testbench VHDL and the design under test. The resulting design verification tool then provides proofs and counterexamples for all of the rules, e.g., auto-generated rules, in the testbench.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Adrian E. Seigler, Gary A. Van Huben
  • Patent number: 7444608
    Abstract: Methods for analyzing the timing in integrated circuits and for reducing the pessimism in timing slack calculations in static timing analysis (STA). The methods involve grouping and canceling the delay contributions of elements having similar delays in early and late circuit paths. An adjusted timing slack is calculated using the delay contributions of elements having dissimilar delays. In some embodiments, the delay contributions of elements having dissimilar delays are root sum squared. Embodiments of the invention provide methods for reducing the pessimism due to both cell-based and wire-dependent delays. The delays considered in embodiments of the invention may include delays due to the location of elements in a path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Eric A Foreman, Peter A Habitz, David J Hathaway, Jerry D Hayes, Anthony D Polson
  • Patent number: 7444607
    Abstract: A method for correcting a timing error in an integrated circuit that includes a plurality of layout blocks with identical configurations in the same hierarchical layer. The method includes matching the tolerance for when a timing error occurs for a cell in each layout block with a worst condition of one of the corresponding cells in the layout blocks, and inserting a timing adjustment cell within a range of the matched tolerance of each cell to adjust the timing error. This method ensures the correction of hold errors and setup errors in an integrated circuit designed with a hierarchical design technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Hiroaki Ando, Terumi Yoshimura
  • Publication number: 20080262819
    Abstract: The electronic data processing circuit targets the emulation of a logic function. The circuit includes a single clock providing time unit signals, a programmable synchronous logic array for processing values on a time unit basis, detection of internal or external value state changes known as events, programmer for state changes or event signals, processor for a series of scheduled times providing the logic array with scheduled time signals depending on the signals from the detection or the event programmer and the signals from the clock. The processor can determine subsequent scheduled times having delayed deadlines programmed by the programmer, depending on the signals from the detection or the programmer. The processing performed by the logic array is thus dependent on the series of scheduled times triggered by internal or external value state changes and by determination of the series of scheduled times.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventor: Jean Paul Petrolli
  • Patent number: 7441213
    Abstract: A method and a system for validating initial conditions (ICs) generally provided by a user when simulating a VLSI circuit are described. Inconsistent ICs sets are detected and replaced by consistent subsets thereof. The method selects the resistance and source values in a Norton or Thevenin circuit used to enforce the IC, and detects when specified ICs are inconsistent while preserving critical or fragile ICs when a two DC-pass approach is used. It further correlates the set of consistent ICs thus obtained with an equivalent circuit and simultaneously provides an input for future use. This allows a user to be notified and given a measure of how bad the inconsistencies are. Detecting inconsistencies is achieved either by measuring the holding current or by measuring the voltage drift if the two DC-pass approach is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy S. Lehner, Richard D. Kimmel, Ali Sadigh, Emrah Acar, Ying Liu, Ivan L. Wemple
  • Patent number: 7440885
    Abstract: An emulation-based event-wait simulator including an application module to configure and command verification processes on a design under test (DUT). An event dispatcher is in communication with the application module to deliver commands to the DUT. A plurality of transactors are in communication with the event dispatcher to forward the commands to the DUT. A channel controller is in communication with the transactors to process and forward the commands to the DUT, wherein the channel controller also receives messages from the DUT, processes the messages, and forwards the messages to the transactors for delivery to the event dispatcher and the application module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Broadcom Corporation
    Inventors: Luis A Garcia, Russell E Vreeland, Christopher B Novak, Gabriel G Marasigan, Christopher A Roussel
  • Patent number: 7441219
    Abstract: The present invention enables a user to create, modify, simulate and save an electrical circuit using an Internet browser over an Internet connection. The user can change the connectivity of the circuit as well as add and/or remove components in a free form manner. The schematic is displayed within a web page on the user's machine with which the user may interact. Block symbols may be used to represent at least a portion of the schematic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: National Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey Robert Perry, Martin Garrison, Khang Nguyen, Richard Levin, Wanda Carol Garrett, Phillip Gibson, Benjamin H. Lee
  • Patent number: 7437691
    Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for legalizing a flat or hierarchical VLSI layout to meet multiple grid constraints and conventional ground rules. Given a set of ground rules with multiple grid constraints and a VLSI layout (either hierarchical or flat) which is layout-versus-schematic (LVS) correct but may not be ground rule correct, the system and method provide a legalized layout which meets the multiple grid constraints while maintaining LVS correctness and fixing the ground rule errors as much as possible with minimum layout perturbation from the input design. The system and method support multiple grid pitch constraints for hierarchical design, and provide for LVS correctness to be maintained while an on-grid solution possibly with some spacing violations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Xiaoping Tang, Xin Yuan
  • Patent number: 7433813
    Abstract: Various approaches for embedding a hardware object in an event-driven simulator are disclosed. The various approaches involve generating an HDL proxy component having an HDL definition of each port of the hardware object and respective event handler functions associated with input ports of the HDL proxy component. The event handler functions are responsive to simulation events appearing on the input ports. A configuration bitstream is generated for implementing the hardware object on a programmable logic circuit, and a first object is generated to contain configuration parameter values indicating characteristics of the ports and a location of the configuration bitstream. A second object is generated and is configured to initiate configuration of the programmable logic circuit with the configuration bitstream. The second object further provides input data to and receives output data from the programmable logic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Xilinx, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan B. Ballagh, L. James Hwang, Roger B. Milne, Nabeel Shirazi
  • Patent number: 7428716
    Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for statistical or probabilistic static timing analysis of digital circuits, taking into account statistical delay variations. The delay of each gate or wire is assumed to consist of a nominal portion, a correlated random portion that is parameterized by each of the sources of variation and an independent random portion. Arrival times and required arrival times are propagated as parameterized random variables while taking correlations into account. Both early mode and late mode timing are included; both combinational and sequential circuits are handled; static CMOS as well as dynamic logic families are accommodated. The timing analysis complexity is linear in the size of the graph and the number of sources of variation. The result is a timing report in which all timing quantities such as arrival times and slacks are reported as probability distributions in a parameterized form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Chandramouli Visweswariah