IP-XACT helps you produce exactly what you need in SoC deliverables

If you have ever watched an experienced glass blower, your first thought is that they make it look so easy. I have had the opportunity to blow glass, and I can tell you that it is a constant struggle against temperature, time and muscles to get the glass to do anything like what you want. This is akin to what is required to take the elements of an IC design and provide each of the deliverables to various stakeholders. When it is done right, it can look effortless and straightforward; when done wrong it leads to chaos and confusion. In glass blowing there is no substitute for practice and experience – I know this firsthand. Fortunately for IC design teams there are tools, like Magillem’s IP-XACT solutions that can make the process relatively straightforward.

Magillem offers a suite of IP-XACT tools, based on the IEEE 1685 standard, that help create deliverables for the various consumers of the design data for an SOC. Who are these consumers? They might be internal teams that have to work on the design at various stages, such as simulation and verification teams. Alternatively, they might be other groups within a company that are using the design for their own projects. Lastly, they can be external consumers of the design in the form of hard or soft IP. Hard IP can even be targeted for delivery for specific technologies.

There is the need to hand off simulation models, RTL (clear and encrypted), netlists (hierarchical or flat) and even hard macros. The data provided might only need to be for a subunit of the hierarchy, or for the entire design. IP-XACT makes it easy to associate specific file sets with different views of the design. Then those files can be turned into deliverables. IP-XACT leaves all design data in its native format, which means that it does not interfere with design tools in any way.

Magillem’s IP-XACT tools allow for centralization of all the design files and related information. Production of each deliverable can be automated to provide precisely what is required for each of the deliverables. They also provide checking mechanisms that help assure the deliverables meet quality standards.

IP-XACT can also help organize and release collateral information such as test benches, documentation and verification related files. Magillem will be presenting at DVcon Europe shortly on how IP-XACT can help with highly configurable IPs. The presentation will also delve into how IP-XACT can help with restructuring IP to improve implementation. Also, they will talk about how IP-XACT can help address the needs of ISO 26262 in the design and delivery process.

When I was blowing glass, I remember looking into the blazing hot furnace holding the molten glass and envisioning the next piece I would make. My ability to control the glass was the make-or-break factor determining my success. It is not unlike having SoC design data and needing to pull out the relevant parts for each deliverable. The skill and precision applied to the task determines the end result. Magillem IP-XACT tools can play a crucial role in effectively developing and then utilizing the design data for an SoC. Further information about Magillem’s comprehensive IP-XACT based solutions can be found on their website.