Quick recap: verification is checking that your implementation of a design matches the in-house design/test specification. In contrast, validation means checking that the implementation matches design intent as defined by a customer specification, use cases, etc. Let’s focus on verification; for simplicity I’ll use “design… Read More
Author: Bernard Murphy
Are You Ready for Spec-Driven Verification?
Europe is Getting Serious About ASIC Innovation
I was born in the UK (then still a part of Europe), so always eager to see them succeed. But I must admit that past behavior has reinforced the view that the EU’s only active “contribution” to progress is regulation. However this seems to be changing in multiple interesting ways. On a grand scale, the Nordic economic model is taking … Read More
Quantum Gathering Momentum Amid Concerns for the Grid
I posted recently on an eye-catching advance in quantum computing, around neutral atom systems which might accelerate the transition to production-grade fault-tolerant quantum computing (QC). There are some further updates on this front, also I listened in on a panel considering quantum-based hacking vulnerability in the… Read More
Sensing. A Quantum Tech Ready for Market?
While the quantum world revolves around quantum computing, (QC) there are a couple of other quantum technologies of note. I covered one of these, quantum communication, in a recent blog. Here I’ll introduce the other, quantum sensing. The goal is to use the high sensitivity of an individual quantum state to external factors such… Read More
A Different Angle on Co-Simulation for Systems
Co-simulation, two or more simulations running concurrently in some manner, is not a new idea. I have written before about multiphysics systems able to model thermal, stress, CFD and other factors simultaneously. I just read a white paper from Siemens based on a different method, using an open standard called the Functional Mockup… Read More
UX in Agentic Systems. Innovation in Verification
A switch this month to principles behind building effective agentic systems, going beyond simply a new way to stitch together tools, agents and orchestration, to deeper consideration of user experience and how we most effectively blend agentic with human-in-the-loop. Paul Cunningham (GM, Verification at Cadence), Raúl Camposano… Read More
Could Neutral Atoms Take the Lead in Quantum Computing?
As of my recent posts on quantum computing (QC), superconducting QC is the leading technology contender, exemplified in systems from IBM, Google, and Fujitsu. Other technologies such as ion trap, neutral atom, photonic and quantum dot have generally been viewed as intriguing but second tier. I just read a very recent paper suggesting… Read More
Effective Defense Against Hacks at the Edge
IoT permeates every aspect of our lives, in payment systems, access authorization, vehicles, utilities, factories, hospitals, and in so many other fields. Which makes these systems attractive targets for hacking and social disruption while also challenging to protect given the highly constrained resources that many such… Read More
Calibrating Quantum Computing Activity in Financial Services
I was invited to listen in on an event hosted by Fujitsu and Quantum Insider on the reality of Quantum Computing (QC) in financial services today. This market is a good test for QC since multiple possible high value applications have been suggested. The panel was chaired by Brian Lenehan, (Founder and Chair, Quantum Strategy Institute),… Read More
Accellera Updates at DVCon 2026
Lu Dai (chair of Accellera) and I had our regular chat at DVCon U.S. 2026. Accellera also hosted a reception in the exhibits hall, with free snacks and drinks, very well attended. We talked about what’s new in Accellera, with a particular emphasis on the recently released standard for CDC and RDC tool interoperability, also Lu’s … Read More









ASML High-NA EUV is Not Ready for High-Volume Production