Highlights

• New flow for high-level (fast) simulation based on behavioral Verilog
• Improved multiplexer-based scan approach – full scan, smaller area
• Improved timing validation and adjustment
• Support for post-layout timing validation
• Layout flow for Cadence® backend tools

Behavioral Verilog

The compiler (htcomp) can now translate Haste directly to behavioral Verilog. Because of the higher level of abstraction, this typically simulates 7-8 times faster than netlist simulation (depending on the design). The result is bit-true and uses the same handshake protocols at the boundaries as the final netlist. Since the model is in Verilog, it can be easily embedded in Verilog test benches and combined with other Verilog blocks.

Multiplexer-based scan

We’ve significantly extended the multiplexer-based scan technology introduced in release 4.1.0. The timing of the scan chain in scan mode is now far less critical thanks to a new clock generator. In addition, we’ve introduced several new optimizations to dramatically reduce scan overhead for control-dominated designs.

Timing validation and adjustment

The timing validation and adjustment flow introduced in release 4.1.0 has been extended and refined. With a new delay chain resizing-algorithm, delay chains are now implemented explicitly in Handshake Solutions scripting rather then by the optimizer tool. This improves selection of delay cells and reduces the area of delay chains.

Besides area optimization, this release also supports optimization for speed in the Synopsis flow. Now you can specify the desired timing for each logic block and we’ve made the link between the Haste source code and logic blocks in the net list explicit for this purpose.

For the post-layout timing validation, it is possible to generate a script for Synopsis® PrimeTime®.

Layout flow

As stated above, htpost can generate a PrimeTime script for post-layout timing validation. We have also developed scripts for the Cadence Encounter™ platform. As layout processes are usually very project specific, currently we do not deliver a complete layout flow. Instead we can provide some example scripts that can be easily integrated into your own layout flow.