FPGA Prototyping as a Verification Tool in Semiconductor Design

Authors

Niranjana Gurushankar

Abstract

The increasing complexity of integrated circuits (ICs) has made verification a critical aspect of the semiconductor design flow. Traditional simulation-based verification methodologies are struggling to keep pace with the growing design size and software complexity. FPGA prototyping offers a compelling alternative by providing a hardware-based platform for early software development, real-time system validation, and accelerated verification. This paper explores the role of FPGA prototyping as a powerful verification tool in modern semiconductor design. It examines the benefits, challenges, and methodologies associated with FPGA prototyping, highlighting its ability to bridge the gap between pre-silicon verification and post-silicon validation. Furthermore, the paper discusses various use cases and advanced techniques, such as hybrid emulation and virtual prototyping, to demonstrate the versatility and effectiveness of FPGA prototyping in tackling the verification challenges of today's complex IC designs.

Keywords

Chip Verification, FPGA Prototyping, Chip design, SoC Verification, System-Level Validation, Pre-Silicon Validation

FPGA Prototyping as a Verification Tool in Semiconductor Design. Niranjana Gurushankar. 2019. IJIRCT, Volume 5, Issue 5. Pages 1-5. https://www.ijirct.org/viewPaper.php?paperId=2411097