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Kumar Khandagle

Nowadays, Incorporating the Assertions in the Verification of the design is common to verify RTL behavior against the design specification. Independent of the Hardware Verification Language( HVL ) viz. Verilog, SystemVerilog, UVM used for performing verification of the RTL, the addition of the assertions inside the Verification code helps to quickly trace bugs. The primary advantage of using SV assertion over Verilog-based behavior check is a simplistic implementation of the complex sequence that can consume a good amount of time and effort in Verilog-based codes. SystemVerilog assertion has a limited set of operators so learning them is not difficult but choosing a specific operator to meet design specifications comes with years of experience. In this course,  We will go through series of examples to build a foundation on choosing a correct assertion strategy to verify the RTL Behavior. The assertion comes in three flavors viz. Immediate Assertion, Deferred Immediate assertion, Final deferred immediate assertion, and Concurrent Assertion. An assertion is a code responsible for verifying the behavior of the design. Full Verification of the design essentially includes verification in  Temporal as well as non-temporal domains. SV Immediate and Deferred assertions allow us to verify the functionality of the design in the Non-Temporal region and Concurrent assertion allows us to verify the design in the Temporal region.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Insights of system verilog assertions according to lrm 1800 2017
  • Insights of boolean, sequence and property operators
  • Power of the concurrent and immediate assertions
  • Insights of system tasks and sampled edge functions
  • Usage of the local variables in concurrent assertions
  • Application of immediate assertions to digital systems
  • Application of concurrent assertions to digital systems
  • Application of the assertion in fsm
  • Usage of the assertion in systemverilog tb

Syllabus

Power of SVA P2
Introduction to the SVA Power and IDE Usage, Course
Course Framework
Agenda
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores SystemVerilog Assertions (SVA), which are essential for verifying RTL behavior against design specifications in hardware verification
Focuses on both temporal and non-temporal domains, enabling comprehensive design verification using concurrent and immediate assertions
Covers the usage of system tasks and sampled edge functions, enhancing the ability to create effective assertions
Requires familiarity with Hardware Verification Languages (HVL) like Verilog, SystemVerilog, or UVM, which may exclude some beginners
Teaches SystemVerilog Assertions according to LRM 1800 2017, which may not be the latest version of the standard
Develops skills in choosing the correct assertion strategy, which relies heavily on practical experience in RTL verification

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Reviews summary

Systemverilog assertions basics for verification

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation for understanding SystemVerilog Assertions (SVA). Many students highlight the clear explanations and the step-by-step approach to complex topics. The course covers various SVA concepts like immediate and concurrent assertions, sequence and property operators, and system tasks. Reviewers appreciate the practical examples and demos which help solidify learning. While some note the topic is inherently complex, the course is generally seen as a highly useful resource for engineers looking to incorporate assertions into their verification flows, particularly in the non-temporal and temporal domains.
SVA is inherently a challenging topic.
"SystemVerilog Assertions are inherently complex."
"Choosing the right operator needs experience."
"The topic requires careful study and practice."
Covers core SVA topics comprehensively.
"It covers immediate, deferred, and concurrent assertions."
"Explains sequence and property operators thoroughly."
"Covers system tasks like $rose, $fell, $past, $sampled."
"Discusses different simulation regions and assertion formats."
Practical examples aid understanding.
"The examples helped me understand the application of SVA."
"Good use of demonstrations to illustrate points."
"Examples are practical and show how SVA is used."
"I found the demos particularly helpful for grasping concepts."
Highly relevant for professional verification.
"Essential knowledge for modern verification methodologies."
"Incorporating assertions is common in verification, this helps."
"Helps engineers quickly trace bugs using assertions."
"Useful for verifying RTL behavior against specifications."
Provides a strong basis for learning SVA.
"This course helped me build a solid foundation on SVA basics."
"It gave me good insight into SystemVerilog assertions."
"Helped solidify my understanding of different assertion types."
"Provides the fundamental knowledge needed for SVA."
Instructor explains complex SVA concepts clearly.
"Instructor explains everything really well."
"Covers SVA concepts very well with simple explanations."
"Good explanations and examples make it easy to understand."
"The lectures are clear and easy to follow."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Verification Series Part 6 : SystemVerilog Assertions Basics with these activities:
Review Digital Logic Fundamentals
Strengthen your understanding of digital logic concepts, which form the basis for understanding how assertions verify RTL behavior.
Browse courses on Digital Logic
Show steps
  • Review truth tables for basic logic gates (AND, OR, NOT, XOR).
  • Practice simplifying Boolean expressions using Karnaugh maps.
  • Study the operation of flip-flops and registers.
Read 'SystemVerilog for Verification' by Chris Spear
Deepen your understanding of SystemVerilog assertions with a comprehensive guide.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters related to SystemVerilog Assertions (SVA).
  • Work through the examples provided in the book.
  • Experiment with different assertion styles and operators.
Assertion Writing Exercises
Reinforce your understanding of assertion syntax and semantics through targeted exercises.
Show steps
  • Write assertions for simple combinational logic circuits.
  • Write assertions for sequential logic circuits like counters and state machines.
  • Practice using different assertion operators (e.g., `always`, `eventually`, `s_eventually`).
  • Write assertions to check for specific temporal properties.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Read 'Writing Testbenches using SystemVerilog' by Janick Bergeron
Learn how to write effective testbenches to verify your assertions.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters related to testbench architectures and techniques.
  • Study the examples provided in the book.
  • Experiment with different testbench approaches.
Develop Assertion Examples for Finite State Machines
Solidify your understanding of assertions by creating examples for common FSM designs.
Show steps
  • Choose a few common FSM designs (e.g., traffic light controller, sequence detector).
  • Write SystemVerilog code for each FSM.
  • Develop assertions to verify the correct behavior of each FSM.
  • Document your examples and share them with other learners.
Verify a Simple RTL Design with Assertions
Apply your knowledge of assertions to verify a real-world RTL design.
Show steps
  • Select a simple RTL design (e.g., a UART, an SPI controller).
  • Write SystemVerilog code for the RTL design.
  • Develop a comprehensive set of assertions to verify the design's functionality.
  • Run simulations to verify that the assertions catch any errors in the design.
Contribute to an Open Source Verification Project
Gain practical experience by contributing to a real-world verification project.
Show steps
  • Find an open-source hardware verification project on platforms like GitHub.
  • Identify areas where you can contribute, such as writing assertions or testbenches.
  • Submit your contributions to the project.
  • Participate in code reviews and discussions with other contributors.

Career center

Learners who complete Verification Series Part 6 : SystemVerilog Assertions Basics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
ASIC Verification Engineer
An ASIC verification engineer specializes in verifying the functionality and performance of Application Specific Integrated Circuits. The work of an ASIC verification engineer involves creating comprehensive test plans, developing testbenches, and running simulations to ensure that ASICs meet stringent quality standards. This course helps aspiring ASIC verification engineers in their careers. The course on SystemVerilog Assertions provides essential skills for verifying complex ASIC designs. The knowledge of immediate and concurrent assertions, as well as the use of sampled edge functions, helps ASIC verification engineers to develop thorough verification strategies. The course is especially helpful for those looking to enhance their expertise in temporal and non-temporal verification.
Verification Engineer
A verification engineer ensures the correctness and reliability of hardware designs. The work of a verification engineer includes creating test plans, developing test environments, and executing tests to identify bugs and ensure that designs meet specifications. This Verification Series course on SystemVerilog Assertions helps build a strong foundation for this role. The course's focus on immediate and concurrent assertions enables verification engineers to effectively validate both temporal and non-temporal aspects of design behavior. Additionally, the insights into Boolean, Sequence, and Property Operators may be useful for developing robust test cases and identifying potential design flaws early in the verification process.
Hardware Design Engineer
Hardware design engineers create the physical components of computer systems and other electronic devices. The responsibilities of a hardware design engineer involves designing, developing, and testing hardware components and systems, often using Hardware Description Languages like SystemVerilog. This course helps hardware design engineers incorporate assertions into their designs for improved verification. The course's coverage of SystemVerilog Assertions introduces engineers to techniques for formally specifying and verifying design behavior, leading to more robust and reliable hardware. The course may be helpful for hardware design engineers who want to integrate formal verification methods into their workflow.
RTL Designer
An RTL designer develops Register Transfer Level descriptions of digital circuits. Work of a RTL designer entails translating architectural specifications into synthesizable code and ensuring that the design meets performance and area constraints. This course helps RTL designers improve the quality and verifiability of their code. The course on SystemVerilog Assertions enables RTL designers to embed assertions directly into their RTL code, providing immediate feedback on design correctness during simulation. By learning how to use immediate and concurrent assertions, RTL designers can proactively identify and fix bugs, reducing the risk of costly errors later in the design flow. The course may be useful for RTL designers who want to enhance the robustness of their designs.
FPGA Engineer
An FPGA engineer designs and implements digital systems using Field Programmable Gate Arrays. The work of an FPGA engineer involves writing Hardware Description Language code, simulating and verifying designs, and implementing them on FPGA hardware. This course may be useful for FPGA engineers who want to improve the reliability and performance of their designs. The course on SystemVerilog Assertions provides valuable insights into formal verification techniques that can be applied to FPGA designs. By learning how to use SystemVerilog Assertions, FPGA engineers can more effectively verify complex logic and ensure that their designs meet timing and functional requirements.
Hardware Verification Consultant
Hardware verification consultants assist companies in developing and implementing effective verification strategies for their hardware designs. As a hardware verification consultant, one assesses existing verification methodologies, identifies areas for improvement, and recommends and implements solutions. This course may be useful for consultants who are seeking to stay at the cutting edge of verification technologies. The course's focus on SystemVerilog Assertions presents a relevant tool for improving the thoroughness and efficiency of hardware verification processes. The course provides valuable insights into how SystemVerilog Assertions can identify design flaws early, reduce the risk of costly errors.
Design Verification Manager
A design verification manager oversees the verification process for hardware designs, ensuring that designs meet specifications and quality standards. Responsibilities include leading a team of verification engineers, developing verification plans, and tracking progress. This course may be useful for design verification managers who want to stay up to date with the latest verification techniques. The course on SystemVerilog Assertions provides knowledge of a key technology for improving verification efficiency. The course's focus on immediate and concurrent assertions may be helpful for verification managers looking to integrate formal verification methods into their team's workflow.
Functional Safety Engineer
Functional safety engineers work to ensure that safety-critical systems operate reliably and without failures. The work of a functional safety engineer involves conducting safety analyses, developing safety requirements, and verifying that systems meet these requirements. This course may be useful for functional safety engineers who are working with hardware designs. The course's coverage of SystemVerilog Assertions helps engineers to formally verify design behavior and identify potential safety hazards. The course's coverage of assertions can be applied to improve the diagnostic coverage of safety-critical systems, thereby enhancing overall safety.
Semiconductor Test Engineer
Semiconductor test engineers develop and implement test programs to ensure the quality of manufactured semiconductor devices. The typical work of a semiconductor test engineer includes designing test patterns, setting up test equipment, and analyzing test data to identify defects. This course may be useful for semiconductor test engineers who need to understand hardware verification techniques. While the course focuses on SystemVerilog Assertions rather than manufacturing tests, the knowledge of how to verify design behavior may be helpful for understanding and interpreting test results. The course's coverage of assertions gives engineers insight into how hardware designs are validated before manufacturing.
Computer Architect
Computer architects design the high-level structure and organization of computer systems. The work of a computer architect involves specifying the functional blocks, interconnections, and interfaces of a system to meet performance, power, and cost requirements. This course may be useful for computer architects who want to gain a deeper understanding of hardware verification techniques. Although computer architects focus on high-level design, the knowledge of SystemVerilog Assertions helps in understanding the challenges of verifying complex hardware designs. The course may be helpful for computer architects who want to incorporate verification considerations into their design decisions. A computer architect typically requires an advanced degree.
Firmware Engineer
Firmware engineers develop the low-level software that controls hardware devices. The role of a firmware engineer includes writing code in languages like C or C++, debugging embedded systems, and ensuring that firmware interacts correctly with hardware. This course may be useful for firmware engineers who work closely with hardware designers. The course's focus on SystemVerilog Assertions helps firmware engineers to understand how hardware is verified. The course may be useful for facilitating better communication and collaboration between firmware and hardware teams. It may be useful for firmware engineers to understand the system level.
Embedded Systems Engineer
An embedded systems engineer designs and develops embedded systems, which are specialized computer systems built into larger devices or machines. The work of an embedded systems engineer involves integrating hardware and software components, writing firmware, and testing the overall system. While the course might not directly relate to software aspects, it may provide a better understanding of the hardware an embedded system interacts with. The course may be useful for enabling more informed design decisions and better collaboration with hardware teams.
Analog Circuit Designer
Analog circuit designers create and develop analog and mixed-signal circuits used in electronic devices. The work of an analog circuit designer involves designing circuits such as amplifiers, filters, and data converters, and simulating their behavior. This course may provide a background in digital verification techniques. The course may be useful for analog circuit designers who want to broaden their knowledge of hardware design and verification. Analog Circuit Designers typically require an advanced degree.
Technical Sales Engineer
Technical sales engineers sell complex technical products or services to businesses or organizations. As a technical sales engineer, one needs to understand the technical aspects of the products they are selling. This course may be useful for sales engineers who work with hardware design or verification tools. The course's coverage of SystemVerilog Assertions helps sales engineers to better understand the capabilities of verification tools and to communicate their value to potential customers. The course may be useful for sales engineers to demonstrate how specific tools address design verification challenges.
Technical Writer
Technical writers create documentation for technical products and services. This course may be useful for a technical writer who wants to get into the specifics of System Verilog. The course's coverage of assertions may be useful for understanding and explaining hardware design and verification, and the course may provide knowledge of the process. Technical writers should have a background in the area of hardware verification since it might aid them in writing useful documents and content for their company. A technical writer should attempt to demonstrate their mastery of the topic on a regular basis.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Verification Series Part 6 : SystemVerilog Assertions Basics.
Provides a comprehensive guide to SystemVerilog verification techniques, including assertions. It covers the syntax and semantics of SystemVerilog assertions in detail. It also offers practical examples and best practices for using assertions in real-world verification projects. This book is commonly used as a textbook at academic institutions and by industry professionals.
Provides a comprehensive guide to writing testbenches using SystemVerilog, which is essential for verifying RTL designs with assertions. It covers various testbench architectures and techniques. It also provides practical examples and best practices for creating effective testbenches. This book useful reference tool for verification engineers.

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