Integrating Virtual Prototypes with IC Verification

Increasingly complex systems-on-chip (SoCs) are enabling sophisticated applications in mobile communications, consumer electronics, medical devices, networking, automotive, and many other markets. But SoC development costs are rapidly rising with complexity and capacity, and are expected to reach $100 million by the 32nm process node. Studies show that much, if not most, of that cost will be embedded software development. Meanwhile, semiconductor companies are increasingly expected to provide some or all of the embedded software stack with their silicon.