Verilog Coding - Verification

Efficient RTL Design and Verification with Verilog

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Verilog, one of the most popular hardware description languages in digital design. You'll learn key topics such as logic design fundamentals, writing testbenches, and advanced verification techniques. With a focus on hands-on practice, this course equips you to write efficient RTL designs and optimize verification processes. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, you'll gain practical skills to enhance your digital design and verification capabilities.

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Our course syllabus undergoes regular updates to reflect the latest advancements and best practices in the field. Students who purchase lifetime access to this course are entitled to receive these updates for free, ensuring they stay abreast of the most current content. Subscribers, on the other hand, can access the latest content for free as long as they maintain their subscription to the course. This approach guarantees that our students and subscribers always have access to the most relevant and up-to-date information in the field.

Created by EDA Academy

English

Last updated Oct 2024


Verilog Coding – Verification


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After this course you will be able to:

  • Explore Fundamental Concepts of Logic Design and Circuit Analysis
  • Learn Hardware Description Languages and Verilog for Digital System Design
  • Implement Faster and More Effective RTL Verification Techniques
  • Utilize Specification and Observation Methods for RTL Verification
  • Recognize and Use Verilog Constructs for Effective Verification
  • Apply Behavioral and RTL Modeling for Effective Design Verification
  • Master Common System Tasks and Functions for Verilog Testbenches
  • Apply Common Techniques for Test Stimulus Generation in Testbenches
  • Create Flexible and Reusable Testbenches for Enhanced Verification

This course includes:

  • 9 Modules 37 Lectures
  • 5.1 hours on-demand video
  • 127 Quiz
  • Certificate of completion
  • Access on mobile and computer
  • Ongoing support from EDA Academy
  • Further learning plan

Course Content (Preview)

Module 0: About this Course (Preview)
✓ Verilog Coding - Verification (Preview)
✓ About this Course (Preview)
✓ Course Objectives (Preview)
✓ Course Agenda (Preview)
Module 1: Logic Design Fundamentals

✓ Introduction to Basic Logic Gates and Simplification Techniques

  • Basic Logic Gates
  • Full Adder Example
  • Simplifying Logic Functions with Boolean Algebra
  • Simplifying Logic Functions Using Karnaugh Maps

✓ Fundamentals of Digital Logic and Sequential Circuit Design

  • Designing with NAND and NOR Gates
  • Hazards in Combinational Circuits
  • Types of Flip-Flops
  • Mealy Sequential Circuit Design

✓ Design Principles and Key Concepts of Sequential Circuits

  • Design of a Moore Sequential Circuit
  • State Equivalence and Optimization in Sequential Circuits
  • Key Timing Considerations in Sequential Circuits
  • Tristate Buffers and Their Role in Digital Circuits
Module 2: Introduction to Verilog

✓ Key Concepts and Benefits of Using HDLs in Digital Design

  • Key Concepts in Digital Design
  • Hardware Description Languages (HDLs)
  • Levels of Abstraction in HDL Design
  • Benefits of Using HDL

✓ Roles, Challenges, and Basics in Verilog HDL Design

  • Roles in HDL-Based Digital System Design
  • Challenges in Adopting HDL
  • Key Features of Verilog Language
  • Basics of Verilog Module Declaration

✓ Verilog Module Instantiation, Connections, and Procedural Constructs

  • Verilog Module Hierarchy and Instantiation
  • Port Connection Syntax in Verilog
  • Connecting Ports in Module Instances
  • Using Procedural Constructs in Verilog

✓ Verilog Timing, Naming, and Simulation Processes

  • Synchronizing Module Behaviors
  • Naming Rules, Case Sensitivity, and Commenting in Verilog
  • Simulating HDL Designs: Compilation, Libraries, and Elaboration
Module 3: Verification Techniques

✓ Simulation Challenges, Historical Evolution, and Advanced Verification Techniques

  • Key Points of Simulation in Design Verification
  • Evolution of RTL Simulation Techniques
  • Accelerators and Emulators in RTL Design

✓ Profiling, Regression, and Debugging in Verification

  • Debugging and Performance Profiling
  • Maximizing Regression Efficiency
  • Hardware Debugging and Simulation Performance

✓ Simulation Sequencing, Evaluation Methods, and RTL Simulation Optimization Techniques

  • Simulation Sequencing in Verilog
  • Simulation Evaluation Methods
  • RTL Simulation Optimization Techniques I
  • RTL Simulation Optimization Techniques II

✓ Random Two-State Simulation Methods

  • Register Initialization Methods
  • Simulating Tri-state Buses
  • Assertion Monitors in Two-State Simulation
  • Two-State Simulation Benefits
Module 4: Verification Strategies

✓ Specification and Design Decomposition, RTL Implementation and Synthesis

  • Specification and Design Decomposition
  • RTL Implementation and Synthesis

✓ Directed and Random Testing, Transaction Analyzer, Chip Initialization, and Verification Strategies

  • Directed Testing
  • Random Testing
  • Transaction Analyzer
  • Chip Initialization Verification
  • Synthesizable Testbench Approach
  • Orthogonal Verification Principle

✓ Coverage, Event and Assertions

  • Ad-hoc and Programming Code Metrics
  • State Machine and User Defined Metrics
  • Fault Coverage and Regression Analysis
  • Event-Based Monitoring
  • Assertion Checkers
Module 5: Verilog Constructs for Verification

✓ Data Types, Case Equality Operators, and Procedural Continuous Assignments

  • Data Types – real, time, and realtime
  • Case Equality Operators
  • Procedural Continuous Assignments – force and release

✓ Loop Statements, Named Events, and Level-Sensitive Event Control

  • Loop Statements – while
  • Loop Statements – forever and repeat
  • Named Events – event and ->
  • Level-Sensitive Event Control – wait

✓ Parallel Blocks, Timing Control, and Disabling Tasks

  • Parallel Blocks: fork and join
  • Advanced Concepts of Parallel Blocks
  • initial and always Constructs
  • Disabling Tasks and Named Blocks – disable
Module 6: Design Behavior and RTL Modeling

✓ Abstraction Levels, and Comparing Behavioral and RTL Modeling

  • Levels of Abstraction in Verilog
  • Comparing Behavioral and RTL Modeling

✓ Designing and Modeling a Bus Interface Controller in Verilog

  • Bus Interface Controller Model
  • Bus Interface Controller Implementation
  • Combinational and Sequential Logic
  • Bus Interface Controller RTL

✓ Testbench Types, and Testbenches with File I/O

  • Testbench Types
  • Testbenches with File I/O
Module 7: Using System Tasks and Functions

✓ Displaying and Formatting Output in Verilog

  • Displaying Messages – $display and $write
  • Formatting Text Output
  • Format Specifications
  • Escape Sequences in Format Strings

✓ Time Control and Signal Monitoring with Verilog System Tasks

  • Displaying Messages – $strobe
  • Getting Simulation Time – $time, $stime, $realtime
  • Displaying Messages – $monitor
  • Formatting the Time Display – $timeformat

✓ Writing and Reading Files, File Management, and Enhanced C-Style File I/O

  • Opening Files – $fopen
  • Writing to Files – $fdisplay, $fmonitor, $fstrobe and $fwrite
  • File Input – $readmemb and $readmemh
  • File Input Data Format
  • Enhanced C-Style File I/O I
  • Enhanced C-Style File I/O II

✓ Simulation Control, Port Data Handling, and Command-Line Arguments

  • Simulation Control – $finish and $stop
  • Passing Real Numbers Through Ports
  • Getting Command-Line Values

✓ VCD, EVCD, and Checkpointing

  • Dumping Value-Change Data (VCD)
  • VCD Signal Selection – $dumpvars
  • Dumping Extended Value-Change Data (EVCD)
  • Checkpointing the Simulation – $save and $restart
Module 8: Generating Stimulus for Testing

✓ Simulation Inputs, Outputs, Process, and Testbench Organization

  • Simulation Inputs and Outputs
  • Simulation Process
  • Organizing the Testbench

✓ Hierarchical Naming, Clock Generation, and Stimulus Creation

  • Using Hierarchical Names
  • Generating Clocks
  • Generating Stimulus

✓ Incremental Testing Strategies and Stimulus Generation Methods

  • Incremental Testing Approach
  • Generating In-Line Stimulus
  • Generating Stimulus Using Loops
  • Generating Stimulus Using Tasks
  • Generating Random Stimulus
  • Common Random Distributions

✓ Testing Corner Cases

  • Testing Boundary Conditions
  • Worst-Case Test Example – FIFO Model
  • Worst-Case Test Example – FIFO Test Tasks
  • Worst-Case Test Example – FIFO Test Sequence

✓ Testing Protocol Interactions

  • Testing Protocol Interactions
  • Sweep Test Example – Task Definitions
  • Sweep Test Example – Test Sequence

✓ Vector Capture and Replay

  • Capturing and Replaying Vectors
  • Resolving Vector Capture and Replay Issues
  • Capturing Vectors to Files
  • Applying Vectors from Files
  • Vector Capture and Replay Example – Model
  • Vector Capture and Replay Example – Testbench
  • Vector Capture and Replay Example – Capture
Module 9: Testbench Development and Application

✓ Design Verification Challenge, Plan, and Goal

  • Design Verification Challenge
  • Design Verification Plan
  • Design Verification Goal

✓ System-Level Test, and Completion Criteria

  • System-Level Test and Configurability
  • System-Level Test and Communication
  • Completion Criteria
  • Coverage Metrics
  • Code Coverage Example – Arbiter Model and Test
  • Code Coverage Example – Block Coverage Report

✓ Managing Design Space, Testing Design Regression, and Self-Checking Test

  • Managing Design Space
  • Testing Design Regression
  • Self-Checking Test
  • Self-Checking Test – Example I
  • Self-Checking Test – Example II

✓ Test Configuration Using Source Code Constructs and Run-Time Scripts

  • Test Configuration Using Source Code Constructs
  • Test Configuration Using Source Code Constructs – Example
  • Test Configuration Using Run-Time Scripts
  • Test Configuration Using Run-Time Scripts – Example I
  • Test Configuration Using Run-Time Scripts – Example II

✓ Test Configuration Using Microcode and PLI

  • Test Configuration Using Microcode
  • Test Configuration Using Microcode – Example
  • Test Configuration Using the PLI
  • Test Configuration Using the PLI – Example

✓ Script-Driven Testbench

  • Script-Driven Testbench Overview
  • Script-Driven Testbench in Verilog-1995
  • Script-Driven Testbench in Verilog-2001

Requirements

This course is designed for individuals interested in digital design and verification using Verilog. While it is beginner-friendly, some foundational knowledge in related fields will enhance the learning experience. A basic understanding of digital circuits and logic gates is essential, as is familiarity with any high-level programming language like C, C++, or Python. You should be comfortable installing software and running simulations, as the course involves hands-on verification techniques and testing methodologies. Prior experience with testbenches is beneficial but not required. Ultimately, this course is suitable for engineers or students who are keen to explore hardware design, verification strategies, and simulation practices. To get the most out of this course, it’s recommended that you meet the following prerequisites:

  • Basic understanding of logic gates and digital circuits.
  • Prior experience with any programming language (like C / C++/ Python) is beneficial.
  • Ability to install and use Verilog simulation software.
  • Interest in digital circuits design and verification techniques.
  • Basic experience with testbenches is helpful but not required.

Who this course is for

  • Engineers looking to improve verification skills
  • Students studying digital design
  • Hardware verification engineers
  • RTL design engineers seeking advanced skills
  • Digital circuit designers exploring new techniques
  • Those preparing for a career in hardware design
  • Enthusiasts interested in logic design and simulation
  • Anyone looking to learn testbench writing techniques
  • Experienced designers wanting to optimize simulations
  • Engineers interested in verification methodologies

Description

In this course, you will learn how to write and verify digital designs using Verilog, one of the most widely used hardware description languages in the industry. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this course covers essential topics like logic design fundamentals, writing testbenches, and advanced verification techniques. You'll explore how to use Verilog constructs, verification strategies, and simulation methods to ensure your designs are efficient and error-free. By the end of this course, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge to develop reliable RTL designs and master key techniques for fast and effective verification.


This course is designed to provide a comprehensive introduction to Verilog and its use in hardware verification. You’ll start by learning the basics of logic design, circuit analysis, and how Verilog fits into the digital design process. From there, the course introduces key verification techniques, emphasizing the importance of testing and debugging, which are crucial in ensuring the quality of digital designs. As you progress, you’ll gain an understanding of the core principles of verification and how to effectively apply them.


In addition to the basics, this course delves into advanced topics such as creating efficient testbenches, using Verilog constructs for verification, and optimizing simulation performance. You'll explore essential strategies like writing reusable and flexible testbenches, generating test stimuli, and using tools like assertions to enhance verification. By mastering these methods, you’ll be able to increase both the speed and accuracy of your design verification process.


Throughout the course, there are hands-on examples, guided exercises, and practical applications to help reinforce your learning. Whether you are an engineer looking to improve your verification skills or someone preparing for a career in hardware design, this course provides the foundational knowledge and practical experience to succeed.

Learning Objectives

  • You'll dive into the basics of logic design, focusing on essential gates like AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, XOR, and XNOR, and how they contribute to creating digital circuits. The course will guide you through designing and analyzing combinational circuits using Boolean algebra and Karnaugh maps. Advanced topics include circuit design with NAND and NOR gates, understanding hazards in combinational circuits, and exploring flip-flops used in sequential circuit design. You'll also learn about Mealy and Moore sequential circuits, state equivalence, optimization techniques, key timing considerations, and the role of tristate buffers. You'll be able to apply these principles effectively to design and optimize digital circuits.
  • Understand the basics of Hardware Description Languages (HDLs) and how Verilog is used to design digital systems. You'll learn to describe hardware designs using Verilog's core language constructs, including module definition, design hierarchy, and behavior description. The course will also teach you how to synchronize and communicate between different parts of a design using Verilog. Additionally, you'll learn the rules for using identifiers, comments, and whitespace in Verilog code, ensuring you can effectively describe and configure simple designs.
  • You should be able to enhance RTL simulation efficiency and optimize design verification by adopting techniques that reduce simulation time and improve error detection. This involves understanding the balance between regression simulations and debugging simulations, as well as how RTL language elements impact simulation speed. By learning how simulators work, you can write Verilog code that uses RTL constructs designed for faster simulations. Additionally, adopting two-state simulation and random initialization techniques will help improve verification coverage while maintaining simulation performance. These methods will allow for faster simulations without compromising the quality of the debugging process.
  • You should be able to apply essential verification strategies to create verifiable RTL designs. This includes understanding and using key principles such as the Fundamental Verification Principle, which focuses on reducing design complexity while improving verifiability through clear specifications. Another important concept is the Retain Useful Information Principle, which helps optimize the design process by preserving key assumptions and knowledge. Additionally, the Orthogonal Verification Principle ensures the separation of verification concerns, enabling more efficient static verification. Lastly, the Functional Observation Principle enhances verification by providing techniques for measuring functional behavior and increasing visibility in simulations. Embedding event monitors and assertion checkers in the RTL code will further strengthen verification coverage and observability.
  • You should be able to choose and apply different Verilog constructs for verification purposes. These include data types like real, realtime, and time, which are crucial for dealing with time-sensitive tasks. You will also be able to use case equality operators === and !==, which handle unknown or high-impedance values. Procedural continuous assignments such as force and release allow for dynamic changes in signal behavior. Additionally, you can implement control flows using looping statements like forever, repeat, and while for flexible test scenarios. Event-driven simulation is made easier with named events (event, ->) and level-sensitive controls like wait. You'll know how to manage parallel execution with fork and join, and how to disable tasks or named blocks using disable.
  • You should be able to model a design using both behavioral and register-transfer level (RTL) approaches. Behavioral modeling focuses on representing design functionality in a high-level, algorithmic manner, without concern for hardware details like clocking. In contrast, RTL modeling is used to describe designs that will be synthesized into actual hardware, requiring accurate clocking, data storage in registers, and synthesis-compliant constructs. You will also gain an introduction to basic testbenches, which are used to verify the behavior of designs in simulation. By understanding these concepts, you will be able to model designs with varying levels of abstraction and create suitable testbenches.
  • You should be able to use system tasks and functions to generate stimuli for simulations and to debug your Verilog designs. This includes displaying messages during simulation using $display, $write, $strobe, and $monitor. You can retrieve and format simulation time using $time, $stime, $realtime, and $timeformat. You will also learn to handle file input and output using $fopen, $fclose, and similar functions, as well as apply stimuli from memory files using $readmemb and $readmemh. Additionally, you should be able to control the simulation with $finish and $stop, pass real values through ports with $realtobits and $bitstoreal, and retrieve command-line arguments using $test$plusargs and $value$plusargs. Lastly, you will explore dumping value-change data with $dumpvars and $dumpports and checkpointing simulations with $save and $restart.
  • You should be able to generate various types of test stimulus to verify and validate your designs effectively. This includes organizing the testbench structure, generating clocks, and creating different forms of stimulus such as “in-line” stimulus, stimulus through loops, and stimulus using tasks. You will also explore generating random stimulus to cover unpredictable scenarios and applying stimulus from external files. Additionally, you should understand how to test corner cases and protocol interactions. These techniques are crucial for thoroughly exercising the functionality of your design under test and ensuring its robustness across different scenarios.
  • You should be able to optimize the development of testbenches by applying effective strategies that reduce development time while maintaining flexibility. This includes understanding system-level verification, planning test strategies, and setting clear completion criteria. Additionally, you will develop reusable testbenches by implementing self-checking tests and configuring the test environment with various methods such as scripts, source code constructs, and microcode. The goal is to create a testbench framework that not only automates testing but can also be adapted to different design scenarios, making it a valuable asset for continuous verification.

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USD $49.9

$29.9