Method and apparatus for observability-based code coverage
US6990438B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 12, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jan 24, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 30, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F30/33
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A technique for observability based coverage of a design under test (DUT) is presented. A conventional simulation signal is augmented to include a “tag value.” In the course of a simulation, assignment statements (for which observability-based coverage is desired) “inject” tag values on their output signals. A tag value contains an identifier uniquely identifying the assignment statement that produced it. A tag value also contains a “tag history.” The tag history contains copies of the tag values for assignment statements earlier in the flow of control or in the flow of data. If a tag propagated through the DUT appears at an observable output, the circuit designer knows that the assignment statements it identifies have satisfied observability based coverage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.