One important enabling technology of a transaction-level
modeling (TLM) based design flow is an ability to verify the results of
high-level synthesis. Calypto Design Systems,
a member of the recently-formed Cadence System
Realization Alliance, is playing an important role by closely integrating
its SLEC sequential equivalence checker with the Cadence C-to
Silicon Compiler.
The following video interview with Tom Sandoval, Calypto
CEO, was taken right after a talk given by Sandoval at the Cadence booth at the
June Design Automation Conference. In the video clip, Sandoval tells why
sequential checking is a must for high-level synthesis, how SLEC works with
C-to-Silicon in a fairly automated fashion, and how sequential optimization
fits into the EDA360 vision.
If video fails to open, click here.
In an additional comment, Sandoval noted that sequential
equivalence checking has a role to play in the RTL space as well. If you
optimize an RTL design for power or performance, he noted, you'll very likely
make sequential changes - such as adding pipeline stages or using sequential
clock gating. A sequential checker is needed to verify such changes. Calypto's
PowerPro product, in fact, optimizes RTL designs for power and is based on the
company's sequential analysis technology.
In his presentation at the Cadence booth, Sandoval noted that
"next-generation EDA" will need to move "from combinational analysis to
sequential analysis as a technology basis." It's an interesting thought that
goes beyond just formal equivalence checking and extends into implementation
and optimization, with potential applications from concept through gates.
Richard Goering