What Is Synopsys Virtualizer?

Synopsys Virtualizer is an advanced development platform that creates virtual prototypes of complex system-on-chip (SoC) designs. These virtual prototypes are fully functional software models of the hardware system, allowing development teams to begin software development, integration, and testing long before actual silicon becomes available.

The platform leverages high-performance simulation technology to deliver accurate representations of hardware designs. This enables developers to validate software functionality, optimize performance, and identify potential issues early in the development cycle when they're less costly to address. Virtualizer is particularly valuable in industries where time-to-market pressures are intense, such as automotive, mobile, and consumer electronics.

How Synopsys Virtualizer Works

At its core, Synopsys Virtualizer creates virtual prototypes using transaction-level models (TLMs) that abstract hardware functionality at a higher level than traditional register-transfer level (RTL) descriptions. This abstraction enables significantly faster simulation speeds while maintaining sufficient accuracy for software development.

The workflow begins with assembling virtual prototype components from Virtualizer Development Kits (VDKs) or custom-developed models. These components include processors, memory systems, buses, and peripherals that accurately represent the target hardware. Once assembled, the virtual prototype can boot operating systems and run application software at near-real-time speeds.

Developers can also integrate debugging and analysis tools directly into the virtual prototype, providing unprecedented visibility into the system's behavior. This capability allows for efficient debugging of complex software issues that might be nearly impossible to isolate on physical hardware.

Virtual Prototyping Solution Comparison

When evaluating virtual prototyping solutions, Synopsys Virtualizer stands out in several key aspects compared to alternatives in the market:

  • Synopsys Virtualizer (Synopsys) - Offers comprehensive SoC design capabilities with extensive model libraries and integration with other Synopsys tools.
  • Cadence Virtual System Platform (Cadence) - Provides good integration with Cadence verification flows but has a somewhat smaller model ecosystem.
  • Mentor Vista (Mentor) - Strong in automotive applications with good AUTOSAR support.
  • ARM Fast Models (ARM) - Excellent for ARM-based designs but more limited for full system modeling.

Synopsys Virtualizer distinguishes itself through its extensive model libraries, superior performance, and tight integration with other development tools in the Synopsys ecosystem. Its ability to create VDKs that can be easily shared across development teams also enhances collaboration throughout the development process.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Virtualizer

The adoption of Synopsys Virtualizer offers numerous advantages to development teams working on complex SoC designs:

Benefits:

  • Enables software development to begin up to 12 months before hardware availability
  • Provides unlimited visibility and control for debugging complex issues
  • Allows easy reproduction of hard-to-find bugs
  • Facilitates parallel development across hardware and software teams
  • Reduces overall project risk and time-to-market

Drawbacks:

  • Requires investment in model development for proprietary hardware components
  • May need calibration to ensure timing accuracy for performance-critical applications
  • Has a learning curve for teams new to virtual prototyping methodologies
  • Cannot completely replace hardware testing for final validation

Organizations like Renesas and NXP have reported significant reductions in development time and improved software quality after implementing Synopsys Virtualizer in their development processes. The initial investment in virtual prototyping typically pays off through faster time-to-market and reduced debugging costs later in the project lifecycle.

Pricing and Implementation Overview

Implementing Synopsys Virtualizer requires consideration of both licensing costs and implementation resources. While Synopsys offers flexible licensing options tailored to different organization sizes and needs, potential users should be aware of the overall investment required:

Typical Investment Considerations:

  • Base platform licensing for Virtualizer development environment
  • Additional costs for specific Virtualizer Development Kits (VDKs)
  • Training for development teams
  • Resources for model development and maintenance
  • Integration with existing development workflows

For organizations new to virtual prototyping, Synopsys offers professional services to accelerate implementation and knowledge transfer. These services can significantly reduce the time needed to achieve productivity with the platform. Companies like MediaTek and Samsung have successfully integrated Virtualizer into their development processes, resulting in more efficient software development cycles and improved product quality.

Conclusion

Synopsys Virtualizer represents a significant advancement in SoC development methodology, enabling parallel hardware and software development that dramatically compresses product development schedules. By providing a virtual environment for software development months before physical hardware is available, organizations can identify and resolve issues earlier, improve software quality, and ultimately deliver better products to market faster.

While implementing virtual prototyping requires initial investment in tools, training, and methodology changes, the return on investment typically becomes evident quickly through accelerated development cycles and reduced integration issues. As SoC designs continue to grow in complexity, tools like Synopsys Virtualizer are becoming essential rather than optional for organizations aiming to maintain competitive development timelines while managing technical risk.

Citations

This content was written by AI and reviewed by a human for quality and compliance.