StripeViewer – Using Transactions to Effectively Debug Large SoC Designs

By Rich Edelman, Alain Gonier (Mentor Graphics)

Abstract

SoC designs are large designs made by combining other large designs. A typical SoC has many communication pathways and a large amount of parallel activity. In order to debug these kinds of designs effectively new approaches must be taken. This paper discusses the requirements for effective debug in the face of today's large SoCs, outlining real world example and making some recommendations for easier solutions. This includes transaction based debug, with special attribute recording. These special attributes help identify "connected" transactions.