Formal Verification Of A Mixed Signal IP with Both Digital And Analog Blocks


A new technical paper titled "Analogous Alignments: Digital "Formally" meets Analog" was published by researchers at Infineon Technologies. Abstract: "The complexity of modern-day System-on-Chips (SoCs) is continually increasing, and it becomes increasingly challenging to deliver dependable and credible chips in a short time-to-market. Especially, in the case of test chips, where the aim is... » read more

New Processor Fuzzing Mechanism


Researchers from Boston University and University of Washington published a technical paper titled "ProcessorFuzz: Guiding Processor Fuzzing using Control and Status Registers." Abstract "As the complexity of modern processors has increased over the years, developing effective verification strategies to identify bugs prior to manufacturing has become critical. Undiscovered micro-architectur... » read more

Top 15 Integrating Points In The Continuum Of Verification Engines


The integration game between the different verification engines, dynamic and static, is in full swing. Jim Hogan talked about the dynamic engines that he dubbed “COVE”, and I recently pointed out a very specific adoption of COVE in my review of some customer examples at DAC 2015 in “Use Model Versatility Is Key for Emulation Returns on Investment”. Here are my top 15 integrating poin... » read more

Bluetooth Adoption To Grow With IoT


Bluetooth adoption is poised to explode as the Internet of Things takes root. "The amount of Bluetooth standard-installed devices has been rapidly increasing since Apple iPhone 4S installed Bluetooth Low Energy in 2011," said Errett Kroeter, director of industry and brand marketing for the Bluetooth brand. "So the progression will definitely continue." (Figure.1) Figure.1 Continuation o... » read more

The Week In Review: Manufacturing


It’s official: IBM appears to be exiting the chip business. After months of talks, IBM has agreed to pay GlobalFoundries $1.5 billion to take Big Blue’s chip unit off its hands, according to reports from Bloomberg. IBM will also receive $200 million worth of assets, according to the reports. At the upcoming IEEE International Electron Devices Meeting (IEDM), Intel and IBM will present... » read more

The Week In Review: Design


M&A Mentor Graphics acquired Nimbic, which makes simulation software for power and signal integrity and electromagnetic interference. No purchase price was given. Synopsys’ Coverity subsidiary acquired Kalistick, which makes cloud-based software solutions to boost test efficiency. Terms of the deal were not provided. Tools and IP Sonics introduced a new development environment for... » read more

The Week In Review: July 26


By Ed Sperling Cadence’s Q2 revenue increased 11% to $362 million compared to $326 million in the same period in 2012. On a GAAP basis, net income dropped to $9 million compared with $36 million in 2012, but that decrease was impacted by the cost of recent acquisitions and integration of companies. On a non-GAAP basis, income was $61 million compared with $53 million in Q2 2012. Dassault... » read more