Training and Support

Open Source EDA Tool Support

It is now quite feasible to use entirely open source front-end tools for ASIC and FPGA development. However some users are wary of adopting such technology, despite the huge financial benefits, because of uncertainty about support.

Embecosm can provide commercial support for a range of the most popular open source tools.

• Icarus Verilog is an event driven simulator supporting IEEE 1364-1995 and IEEE 1364-2001 Verilog standards. It aims for compatibility with existing commercial simulators.

• Verilator generates cycle accurate C++ and SystemC models from synthesizable Verilog RTL. The models are 2-state, zero delay and follow synthesis semantics. Performance is typically several times faster than the best commercial event driven simulators.

• The Open SystemC Initiative (OSCI) provide a reference implementation of a SystemC simulator. Embecosm can provide support for this simulator and integrating the resulting SystemC models.

• GTKWave is an open source wavetrace viewer supporting VCD and a range of more compact signal dump formats.

Embecosm application notes provide more information on how these open source tools can be used.

Training

Embecosm specializes in small group training for advanced users. All courses are customized to the specific customer, with the emphasis on hands-on development of specific skills.

Seminars, mentoring and secondment are offered in the following subject areas:

• SystemC TLM 2.0. Learn how to write models from scratch using TLM 2.0 and how to implement compliant wrappers for existing models. This course can be adapted to focus on the client's particular area of interest.

• Verilator modeling. Learn how to use Verilator to generate cycle accurate models from hardware. Optional modules cover integration of Verilator processor models with the GNU Debugger and use of Verilator processor models for GCC validation. This course can be adapted to focus on the client's particular IP for modeling by Verilator.

• GNU Debugger Porting. Learn how to port GDB to a new architecture and how to write Remote Serial Protocol servers to drive embedded targets. This course can be adapted to cover a specific target processor.

Support and Training Packages

• Standard Support Package. This provides 40 hours of specialist support via telephone and email for any of the tools listed above. Support can be used to advise on use of the tools, resolve bugs or to add new features.

• Classroom Based Seminars. This is the ideal way to introduce new technology. Courses are structured around a series of practical exercises, led by the instructor. All attendees receive a comprehensive training pack, which serves as a reference manual when the course is complete.

• Mentoring. Embecosm seconds a specialist part-time to your specific project, to guide individual engineers as they adopt a new technology. The precise format is specific to each project, but a typical arrangement involves an initial 3-5 day orientation seminar, followed by 8 hours/week of mentoring and advice partly on-site and partly by telephone/email.

• Secondment. This can be a very effective way to introduce a new technology for the first time. An Embecosm specialist is seconded full-time to your project to lead the adoption of the technology. Embecosm will ensure the project team receive all the training they need and provide support as it is needed, while contributing to the development of the project.

For further information, including pricing, please contact us.