Reconfigurable instrumentation IP accelerates silicon “bring-up” schedules
DAFCA Incorporated has announced that Infineon Technologies has successfully employed their ClearBlue Silicon Validation Suite (SVS) in the implementation of a new high-speed serial ATA platform chip. Infineon's ASIC Design and Security (ADS) business unit successfully inserted the on-chip instrumentation IP and used it, post-silicon, to both validate and optimise their 90nm device.
DAFCA demonstrated improved silicon bring-up and validation capabilities, and Infineon engineers were able to use ClearBlue SVS for real-time, at-speed observability and control of functional behaviour while the device was running in the target system environment.
"Our business is focused on delivering products and silicon IP using methodologies that enable rapid, reliable implementation. Infineon's collaboration with DAFCA supported the critical at-speed signal trace, as well as the ability to generate on-chip stimulus to validate all protocols and functions," stated Sandro Cerato, VP and General Manager, Infineon AIM ADS Business Unit. "DAFCA kept their commitments and met our expectations. We are now enjoying a significant improvement in our ability to validate and debug our silicon in the actual system with the use of the ClearBlue application."
"We are delighted that DAFCA was so important to Infineon's silicon success. In-system validation and debug is clearly an unpredictable and expensive part of successful 45, 65, and 90nm product development. DAFCA's products are designed to address exactly this painful, and potentially lethal problem." stated Dr. Peter L. Levin, DAFCA's President and CEO. "We look forward to our continued collaboration with Infineon ADS".
