Processor-Driven Verification

Current techniques of applying test vectors from an HDL testbench only begin to mimic processor bus behavior. The introduction of processor driven testbenches into the existing verification methodology enables real-world verification and extensive re-use of testbench software throughout the project. One of the limitations to effective utilization of processor driven tests has been the difficulty debugging software in a processor running in a logic simulator. This paper presents proven methods of debugging and trace technology which overcome the limitations to enable the benefits of processor driven tests throughout various hardware and software integration stages of your project.