Axis Systems and Synopsys Collaborate on Co-verification Solution for Complex Embedded Systems

Strategic Insights -

In a joint effort, Axis Systems, Inc. and Synopsys, Inc. have developed a hardware/software co-verification solution designed to accelerate functional simulation of embedded processors within system-on-a-chip (SOC) designs. The verification methodology combines Axis' Xcite verification system and Synopsys' Eaglei hardware/software integration tools to improve co-verification of embedded hardware and software systems.

Key Takeaways:

  • Axis Systems and Synopsys collaborated for six months to develop a verification methodology combining Synopsys' Eaglei tool and Axis' Xcite ReConfigurable Computing (RCC) verification system.
  • The combined solution enables designers to verify the integration of software elements of the design within the simulation environment before hardware prototypes are available.
  • The verification methodology was used by Sony Electronics to design a complex DVD, resulting in improved verification productivity and reduced time-to-market pressures.
  • The collaboration provides a robust verification solution that speeds and simplifies system-on-a-chip design.
  • Xcite for designs of up to 4-million gates is shipping now, with a software simulator, RCC compiler, and RCC co-processors, which cost less than 10 cents per gate.
  • The price of the Xcite verification system starts at $295,000, and an integration package for Xcite and Eaglei is available from Axis Systems for $10,000.
  • Synopsys' Eaglei tools allow designers to integrate hardware and software and verify their interactions much earlier in the design process, reducing overall design verification time by up to 20 percent.
  • Synopsys' Eaglei tools have been named as the market-share leader in the fast-growing hardware/software co-verification market by Dataquest.

Statistics:

  • 6 months: duration of Axis Systems and Synopsys' collaboration on the co-verification solution.
  • Up to $295,000: the starting price of the Xcite verification system for designs of up to 4-million gates.
  • 10 cents: the estimated cost per gate for verification with Xcite's RCC co-processors.
  • 20 percent: the potential reduction in overall design verification time using Synopsys' Eaglei tools.
  • 1996: the year Axis Systems, Inc. was founded.

Sources:

  • Axis Systems, Inc. press release dated August 9, 1999.
  • Business Wire, August 9, 1999.
  • Synopsys Inc. website, accessed on August 9, 1999.
  • Sony Electronics Semiconductor Business Division website, accessed on August 9, 1999.
  • Dataquest report on the hardware/software co-verification market, dated 1999.
  • Xcite is a trademark of Axis Systems, Inc.
  • Synopsys and Eaglei are registered trademarks of Synopsys Inc.