This paper describes the methods and issues pertaining to the process of comparing waveform data bases (WDB) with a practical application example.

When the technology of an existing ASIC design became obsolete, re-targeting to a current process was necessary to sustain production. Functional equivalency of the new design was required to meet the drop in part replacement objective.

Although there were no design changes, some modifications were required to meet updated foundry guidelines and to install scan paths and test control logic. To insure the new design was functionally the same, baseline simulation results and Assertion setups were established using the original design and used for comparison.

Comparing simulation results using the Assertions utility provided an efficient and graphical methodology to quickly identify discrepancies.

Bio:
Hugh Blair is a staff design and development engineer at Honeywell's Space Systems Operations located in Clearwater Florida. Current assignments include ASIC process development team leader, detailed ASIC design and CAD/CAE coordination and tool evaluations.