Debugger supports assertion-based system-on-chip verification

Novas Software has extended its Verdi behavior-based debugging system to support assertion-based verification methods. Assertions, language constructs that help you formally verify a design, express intended behavior and provide observable points in the design for you to check functions.

The new capabilities enable engineers to use assertions and the results of their evaluation within the context of the design and the Novas debugging platform. Verdi combines structure-based visualization tools, enhanced behavior-query and -analysis features, and new interactive-control utilities. The company based the Verdi extensions on its Design Knowledge architecture's compiler and database tools. The new capabilities provide interoperability with third-party assertion-based verification tools. Assertions provide a starting point for debugging because they define regions of logic that you can use to drive Verdi's behavior-based capabilities. The extensions to Design Knowledge include an enhanced waveform-database format, assertion-language compilers initially supporting the OpenVera assertion language, and knowledge-database extensions.

Verdi is available for Verilog designs. Prices start at $14,000 for a one-year subscription license. Support for VHDL and mixed-language design will follow in a few months. Verdi customers with software-maintenance contracts automatically receive the assertion-based and mixed-language releases at no additional cost.

Novas Software, 1-408-467-7888, www.novas.com.