How to start ARM based SOC synthesis/verification?

[design_oriented]

Hi Guys,

I want to start a project in which I can synthesize and verify an ARM based SOC from scratch.

How and where do I start?

Do I have to use SystemC to develop the RTL code and then synthesize it?

Any help/comments are appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[design_oriented]

Does anybody have comments on this?

 

[amraldo]

I had the chance to read this book @ https://www.amazon.com/Co-verification-Hardware-Software-Embedded-Technology/dp/0750677309, it will help you alot.

 

[design_oriented]

Thanks for the useful info, guys.

@amraldo,
Does that book use systemc or systemverilog for synthesis?

I am newbie so how easy is it is to translate between system verilog and systemc?

I would like to synthesize using systemc as it is free.

Can I take this systemc RTL synthesis netlist and then use prime time to run STA and get it signed off?

Thanks for your patience in this.

 

[amraldo]

It uses verilog for hardware implementation and PLI for c to hardware interfacing

 

[design_oriented]

Thanks again.

Please correct me if I am wrong:

Here are the steps I will have to take to complete my project:

1. Get the IP core from ARM
2. Convert this to SystemC code
3. Synthesize this
4. Simulate and verification (write testbenches in systemC for this)

So what tools will I need to complete my project?

1. SystemC libraries and DevC++ for RTL coding
2. Which tool for synthesis?
3. Can I use Prime time for STA?

Are there any other tools I would need for this?

 

[amraldo]

I m not into this for 4 years now.
I can't help you.

 

[kel8157]

Thanks again.

Please correct me if I am wrong:

Here are the steps I will have to take to complete my project:

1. Get the IP core from ARM
2. Convert this to SystemC code
3. Synthesize this
4. Simulate and verification (write testbenches in systemC for this)

So what tools will I need to complete my project?

1. SystemC libraries and DevC++ for RTL coding
2. Which tool for synthesis?
3. Can I use Prime time for STA?

Are there any other tools I would need for this?

1. Yes.. costs lot of $..
2. No you dont convert to systemc, which is not suitable for synthesis. you use Verilog/VHDL for synthesis. Before that you need to run a lot of simulations, in which systemc could help.
3. yes. synthesize after simulations are ok.
4. goes earlier than 3.

Get xilinx/altera software for synthesis if it's school project only. otherwise you pay five figures to Synopsys/Cadence to get a commercial synthesizer.

PT is for STA.

How come you knew a lot of keywords but misplace them in wrong places?

 

[raju3295]

IP from ARM ,, will be having golden verilog files, you can directly start synthesizing ARM core,
am not in to Verification but am in to ARM implementation ,
you can use Reference methodology flow given by ARM
sorry if am wrong, my knowledge is limited to block level implementation (ARM cores)

 

[design_oriented]

Thanks for the info.

@kel8157
You can tell from the buzzwords that I am a newbie

I am planning to first synthesize an ARM IP using say Xilinx. Where can I find some synthesizable ARM IP's ?

What are some other popular and free Verilog synthesizer tools used for this?

Once I have finished synthesizing the ARM IP, then I am planning to try an ARM implementation.