The New Era of FPGA Design and Verification

In the ever-evolving world of FPGA development, efficiency and accuracy are critical for delivering high-quality designs, as highlighted by EmLogic, (2024). EmLogic, a leading Norwegian Embedded Systems, and FPGA Design Centre, spearheads innovation by adopting the Universal VHDL Verification Methodology (UVVM). This robust, open-source verification framework sets new industry standards by streamlining the verification process and enhancing design quality. As FPGA complexity grows, methodologies like UVVM ensure robust, scalable, and error-free implementations.

UVVM: A Game-Changer in FPGA Verification

According to EmLogic, (2024), Universal VHDL Verification Methodology (UVVM) is a groundbreaking approach that provides a structured and highly efficient testbench architecture for FPGA verification. As a free and open-source framework, UVVM simplifies verification by offering a standardized, reusable infrastructure that significantly improves test quality. Recognized and recommended by Doulos and supported by the IEEE Standards Association, UVVM operates seamlessly on any VHDL-2008-compliant simulator. Its extensive adoption by FPGA designers worldwide highlights its effectiveness in reducing development time and increasing verification reliability.

EmLogic: Pioneering Innovation in FPGA Design

Since its inception in 2021, EmLogic has rapidly emerged as an FPGA design and verification powerhouse, as mentioned by EmLogic, (2024). The company exemplifies excellence and technical expertise by expanding from one engineer to a team of 43 experts by late 2024. EmLogic continues the legacy of Bitvis technical managers, integrating their deep industry knowledge into its verification methodologies. EmLogic is transforming FPGA projects’ development, testing, and deployment by providing cutting-edge verification IP, employing advanced methods, and delivering comprehensive training programs.

Elevating Verification with Requirements Tracking and RTM

A critical challenge in FPGA design is ensuring that all project requirements are consistently met and thoroughly verified, as emphasized by EmLogic, (2024). EmLogic

accounts for every specification by utilizing the Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM), which offers both forward and backward traceability. UVVM enhances this process by integrating structured requirements tracking, reducing the risk of overlooked or misinterpreted requirements. This meticulous approach minimizes design flaws and streamlines verification, making it a preferred choice for mission- critical applications, including ESA/NASA space projects and DO-254-compliant designs.

Mastering UVVM: Upcoming Training Opportunities

For FPGA professionals looking to enhance their verification expertise, EmLogic offers an intensive UVVM training course from March 31 to April 4, as highlighted by EmLogic, (2024). This live, online course spans five half-days, providing in-depth, hands-on training on UVVM’s capabilities and best practices. Attendees will gain practical experience with UVVM’s structured testbench framework, learning how to optimize their FPGA verification strategies. As industry demand for efficient verification methodologies continues to rise, mastering UVVM presents a valuable opportunity to stay ahead of the curve. Secure your spot today by registering at EmLogic Courses.

Note: For those interested in the latest advancements in verification technologies, the FPGA Verification Event 2025 (Verification Futures UK) offers an excellent opportunity to gain insights into cutting-edge verification practices.

References

EmLogic. (2024). FPGA Requirements Tracking and the Requirements Traceability Matrix. In EmLogic the Norwegian Embedded Systems and FPGA Design Centre. https://www.emlogic.no/leading

Author

  • Mike Bartley

    Dr Mike Bartley has over 30 years of experience in software testing and hardware verification. He has built and managed state-of-the-art test and verification teams inside several companies (including STMicroelectronics, Infineon, Panasonic, and the start-up ClearSpeed) and also advised several companies on organisational verification strategies (ARM, NXP, and multiple start-ups). Mike successfully founded and grew a software test and hardware verification services company to 450+ engineers globally, delivering services and solutions to over 50+ clients in various technologies and industries. The company was acquired by Tessolve Semiconductors, a global company with 3000+ employees supporting clients in VLSI, silicon test and qualification, PCB, and embedded product development in multiple vertical industries. Mike is currently a Senior VP at Tessolve supporting VLSI globally, focusing on helping companies incorporate the latest verification techniques and strategies into their verification flows and building verification teams to support these companies in implementing them on IP and SoC projects. He is also responsible for the Tessolve Centres of Excellence running all R&D projects with Tessolve, including building a new AI capability across all Tessolve products and services. Mike has a PhD in Mathematics (Bristol University), and 9 MSc in various subjects including management (MBA), software engineering, computer security robotics and AI, corporate finance, and blockchain and digital currency. He is currently studying part-time for an MSc in quantum computing at the University of Sussex and the use of technology in healthcare at the University of Glasgow.