Assertion-based verification and on-line testing in Horus

Horus is a prototype environment for the support of assertion-based design. Formal properties, written in a standard (PSL or SVA) language, are automatically translated into synthesizable IP´s, using a modular, efficient and proven correct method. The resulting monitors (for observing asserted properties) and generators (for generating constrained test vectors) are connected to the design under test, for online simulation, emulation or circuit self-test. The application of the Horus environment is illustrated on the verification and performance analysis of a Wishbone cross-bar switch. The experimental results we obtained give evidence of the efficiency of the method.