HDL Verifier automatically generates UVM components and test benches from Simulink

NATICK, Mass. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — January 14, 2020 — MathWorks today announced that HDL Verifier provides support for the Universal Verification Methodology (UVM) starting with Release 2019b, which is currently available. HDL Verifier enables design verification engineers developing FPGA and ASIC designs to generate UVM components and test benches directly from Simulink models and use them in simulators that support UVM such as those from Synopsys, Cadence, and Mentor.

A recent study by Wilson Research Group found that 48% of FPGA design projects and 71% percent of ASIC design projects rely on UVM for design verification. Typically, algorithm developers and system architects develop new algorithmic content in MATLAB and Simulink. Design verification (DV) engineers then use the MATLAB and Simulink models as a reference as they handwrite code for RTL test benches, which can be an extremely time-consuming process. Now with HDL Verifier, DV engineers can automatically generate UVM components such as sequences or scoreboards from system-level models already developed in Simulink. This approach reduces the time verification engineers spend developing test benches for ASIC and FPGA designs used in applications such as wireless communications, embedded vision, and controls.

“Simulink allows for us to reduce time spent on hand-writing production UVM test benches, test sequences and scoreboards by about 50% - leaving more time for us to focus on application for breakthrough innovations,” said Khalid Chishti, ASIC development manager, Allegro MicroSystems. “Our ASICs designed for automotive applications rely on UVM for production verification – MATLAB and Simulink simplify the once tedious task of developing the algorithms for these devices.”

With new features such as generation of UVM components, SystemVerilog assertions, and SystemVerilog DPI components from MATLAB and Simulink, HDL Verifier now offers extended support to design verification teams responsible for production verification of ASICs and FPGAs. Tasked with developing rigorous test benches in HDL simulators by handwriting code in SystemVerilog, these design verification teams can now generate verification components directly from existing MATLAB and Simulink models, and re-use these models to speed creation of production verification environments.

“According to the 2018 Functional Verification Study by Wilson Research and Mentor Graphics, DV engineers spend about one-fifth of their time on ASIC and FPGA projects in test bench development,” said Eric Cigan, principal HDL product marketing manager, MathWorks. “HDL Verifier’s capability to generate UVM and SystemVerilog DPI components from existing MATLAB and Simulink models can boost the productivity of DV engineers and improve collaboration between system architects, hardware designers, and DV engineers.”

HDL Verifier R2019b is available immediately worldwide. To learn more, visit mathworks.com/verify.

About Allegro MicroSystems
Allegro MicroSystems is redefining the future of power and sensing technologies. From green energy to advanced mobility and motion control systems, our team is passionate about developing intelligent solutions that move the world forward and give our customers a competitive edge. With global engineering, manufacturing and support, Allegro is a trusted partner to both large enterprises and regional market leaders worldwide. Visit www.allegromicro.com.

About MathWorks
MathWorks is the leading developer of mathematical computing software. MATLAB, the language of engineers and scientists, is a programming environment for algorithm development, data analysis, visualization, and numeric computation. Simulink is a block diagram environment for simulation and Model-Based Design of multidomain and embedded engineering systems. Engineers and scientists worldwide rely on these product families to accelerate the pace of discovery, innovation, and development in automotive, aerospace, electronics, financial services, biotech-pharmaceutical, and other industries. MATLAB and Simulink are also fundamental teaching and research tools in the world’s universities and learning institutions. Founded in 1984, MathWorks employs more than 4500 people in 16 countries, with headquarters in Natick, Massachusetts, USA. For additional information, visit mathworks.com.

MATLAB and Simulink are registered trademarks of The MathWorks, Inc. See mathworks.com/trademarks for a list of additional trademarks. Other product or brand names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

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Sriya Kodial
MathWorks
(508) 647-2030
Sriya.Kodial@mathworks.com