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Title: Digital Convergence Demands on Design & Verification

Presenter: Harry Foster, Chief Engineer, Mentor Graphics Corporation, Design Verification and Test

Abstract: Digital convergence (the point at which technology becomes transparent) is providing a direct gateway into the diverse world of digital content—and is changing our lives. In the future (which is sooner than you might think), almost every device will be a network device. The virtual office will fit nicely in your pocket providing access to telephone, email, video conferencing, fax, spreadsheets, presentations, Internet—all controlled through speech recognition or multi-touch interactive displays. At home, the telephone, personal computer, mail, newspaper, magazines, DVD player, television, Internet, and home environment controls will all converge into a few all-purpose devices that are networked. The emerging global network will provide the plumbing for worldwide access to digital content, enabling users to shift their focus to the importance of the content and put less focus on the technical steps required to access the content.

What is required of design and verification to meet the demands brought by today’s digital convergence? This presentation explores a range of today's verification technologies (including traditional simulation, formal verification, and assertion-based verification techniques) from a perspective of their inherent strengths and weaknesses. Building on this foundation of understanding, this presentation will discuss the challenges involved in verifying many of today's digital convergence devices. Finally, this presentation will conclude with a discussion on emerging verification technologies and trends.