Cocotb: Python-Based RTL Verification
Starting soon: June 2024 Session
Welcome to Cocotb: Python-Based RTL Verification a course designed to equip you with the cutting-edge skills needed in the ever-evolving field of semiconductor verification. In the semiconductor industry, the role of verification is paramount, often dictating the success and timelines of chip development projects.
Shortage of Verifcation Engineers
The semiconductor industry is facing a significant imbalance in the demand and availability of verification engineers compared to RTL designers. Industry practices often recommend a design to verification ratio of 1:2, meaning two verification engineers for every designer. This ratio highlights the immense importance and volume of work involved in verification, which typically consumes about 80% of the project time due to its complexity and the need to ensure high-quality, defect-free chips.
However, many companies are struggling to meet this standard due to a shortage of verification engineers, leading them to temporarily assign RTL designers to perform verification tasks.
The use of methodologies like UVM has become prevalent as it provides a structured approach to verification, but even this is not sufficient to meet the growing demands efficiently. The introduction and training in comprehensive verification strategies, including RTL verification, are crucial for developing the necessary workforce to handle these critical tasks effectively [which-field-of-dvlsi-has-more-demand-rtl-or-verification] .
Verification productivity is a key factor in meeting the strict schedules of chip tapeouts.
Why Python for RTL Verifcation?
Python, renowned for its simplicity and efficiency, is increasingly being adopted for RTL verification tasks. This course focuses on Cocotb, a Python-based simulation environment, which, while not a replacement for UVM (Universal Verification Methodology)-based verification, offers a complementary approach that can significantly enhance the verification process. Cocotb allows RTL designers to perform rigorous unit and block-level testing early in the development cycle, helping to identify and resolve bugs more swiftly and effectively.
Through this course, you will learn not only the industry practices surrounding various verification methods but also how leveraging Python through Cocotb can streamline and improve the verification stages, thereby accelerating project timelines without compromising on quality. Whether you are aiming to become a verification engineer or a more versatile RTL designer, this course will provide you with a practical, hands-on understanding of how to apply these skills directly to real-world challenges.
What Will You Learn in This Course?
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Fundamentals of RTL Verification: Understand the critical role of RTL verification in the semiconductor design cycle.
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Python and Cocotb in Verification: Learn how to use Python and Cocotb for efficient and effective RTL verification.
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Building Test Benches: Gain hands-on experience in writing and managing test benches using Cocotb.
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Simulating and Debugging Designs: Master the techniques for simulating digital circuits and debugging the test results.
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Coverage and Analysis: Learn how to measure verification coverage and analyze the results to ensure comprehensive testing.
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Capstone Project: Apply your knowledge in a practical project, verifying an open-core design to solidify your skills and demonstrate real-world applicability.
Course Content
Week 0: Pre-requisites
- Setup and use of GitHub.
- Basics of Python programming.
- Introduction to Verilog or SystemVerilog.
Week 1: RTL Verification - Importance and Methodologies
- Role of RTL verification in chip design.
- Overview of verification methodologies.
- Introduction to Python-based verification with Cocotb.
Week 2-5: Building Simple Cocotb Testbenches
- Writing and managing simple testbenches.
- Verification of modules like ALU and various FSMs.
- Using Cocotb for effective simulation and debugging.
Week 6-8: Advanced Testbench Techniques
- Advanced testbenches and class-based structures.
- Handling protocols like AXI, SPI, and I2C.
- Verification approaches for complex modules.
Week 9-12: Capstone Project
- Application of course knowledge to a real-world verification task.
- Development of a comprehensive verification plan.
- Final project presentation and review.
Mode of Delivery
| Component | Platform/Tool | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Lectures | Zoom | Live classes with an instructor on weekends, each session lasting 3 hours. |
| Assignments | GitHub Classroom | Manage and submit assignments through GitHub, fostering a collaborative and structured environment. |
| Development Environment | Pre-configured Ubuntu VM | Students will use a virtual machine setup with all necessary tools for development, learning, and project work. |
Tools and Languages
| Component | Tool/Language | Version/Details |
|---|---|---|
| Editor | Visual Studio Code | Integrated terminal for streamlined coding and debugging. |
| RTL Simulators | Icarus Verilog (iverilog), Verilator | Free tools for RTL simulation, widely used in academia and industry. |
| Programming Language | Python | Version 3.9.5, used for writing testbenches in Cocotb. |
| Verification Framework | Cocotb | Version 1.8.1, a Python-based library for hardware verification. |
| Operating System | Ubuntu | Version 22.04, provides a stable and familiar development environment. |
Course Options
| Course Options | Price †† | Lectures | Lab Assignments | Capstone Project | GitHub Copilot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Option 1 | ₹ |
✓ | ✓ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Option 2 No Github Copilot Access † | ₹ |
✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ❌ |
| Option 3 Github Copilot access for project only | ₹ |
✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 4 weeks ✓ |
| Option 4 Github Copilot access for entire course duration | ₹ |
✓ | ✓ | ✓ | 12 weeks ✓ |
†† You can pay only after lectures (before project) only if you are satisfied with the course.
† Eligible students can access GitHub Copilot for free directly from GitHub. This offer is part of GitHub’s commitment to supporting educational initiatives and enhancing learning experiences with advanced tools. For more details, students should visit the official GitHub website.
About GitHub Copilot
GitHub Copilot is an AI-powered code completion tool that provides suggestions for coding in various programming languages and libraries. Using GitHub Copilot in the course offers several advantages:
- Accelerated Learning: Copilot can suggest code snippets and syntax, helping you learn new programming languages like Python and libraries such as Cocotb more quickly.
- Enhanced Productivity: By providing code suggestions, Copilot reduces the time spent on syntax and basic structure, allowing you to focus on complex logic and problem-solving.
- Interactive Learning Experience: With real-time code suggestions, Copilot acts like a pair programming partner, making the learning process more interactive and engaging.
- Error Reduction: Copilot helps in catching common coding errors and suggests best practices, which can improve the quality of your code.
These features make GitHub Copilot a valuable tool for students new to a programming environment or those looking to streamline their coding process during the course.
Course Labs
All labs for this course are conducted via GitClassroom. Students will submit their solutions via Git commits and receive feedback and grading through the platform.
Explore GitClassroom and Git resources:
GitClassroom - Learn more about GitClassroom.
Git Documentation - Explore Git resources and documentation.
Upon successful completion of this course, participants will receive a course completion certificate:
Contact for More Information and Registration
If you have any questions or need more information about the course, please email us at [email protected].
To register for the course, please send an email to [email protected] with your details, and we will assist you with the registration process.
About SystemVerilog
SystemVerilog is a hardware description and verification language used in the design and verification of digital systems. It offers features for both design specification and verification, making it a powerful choice for hardware engineers and verification engineers alike.
SystemVerilog Resources
Explore the following resources to learn more about SystemVerilog:
- ChipVerify - SystemVerilog Tutorial
- Verification Guide - SystemVerilog Tutorial for Beginners
- asic-world.com - SystemVerilog Tutorial
- SystemVerilog.io - Visit SystemVerilog.io for tutorials, articles, and resources related to SystemVerilog.
About Cocotb
Cocotb (Coroutines-based co-simulation testbench) is a popular Python library used for testing and verifying hardware designs written in languages like SystemVerilog and VHDL. It allows for efficient and easy testbench development by leveraging Python’s coroutines and provides a powerful toolset for digital design verification.
Cocotb Resources
Explore the following resources to learn more about Cocotb:
- Cocotb GitHub Repository - Access the official Cocotb repository for documentation and source code.
- Cocotb Documentation - Read the official Cocotb documentation for detailed information and tutorials.
- Cocotb ReadTheDocs - Explore the Cocotb documentation on ReadTheDocs for in-depth guides and references.