Modular SystemC is a set of modules related to SystemC TM (IEEE 1666-2005) aimed at fulfilling teambased training requirements for engineers from a range of technical backgrounds, i.e. hardware and software engineers and system architects. It consists of a primer module and three SystemC modules from which a single program can be created to fit the specific training requirements of the team. Modular SystemC is a hands-on training class that is presented from a vendor independent perspective but with practical workshops that support a choice of the leading EDA tools. The Modular SystemC package is only available for in-house or customer-dedicated training. The modules comprise. Essential C++ for SystemC (2 days) takes engineers who have a basic knowledge of the C programming language and gives them a fast-track way to acquire a good grounding in C++, which is an essential foundation for learning SystemC. Fundamentals of SystemC (3 days) builds on the foundation laid by Essential C++ to prepare the engineer for the practical use of SystemC for transaction-level modelling. This module describes the core SystemC v2.2 class library and its application for modelling systems, communication, hardware and software at the transaction-level, and refinement towards hardware-software implementation. Expert SystemC Modelling (2 days) builds on the foundation laid by the Fundamentals of SystemC. Covering the new Transaction Level Modelling (TLM) standard in detail, it shows how to use SystemC more effectively, focusing on how to code for compilation, simulation speed and IP re-use. Expert SystemC Verification (2 days) Expert SystemC teaches the use of SystemC for testbench automation using a constrained random verification methodology. This course, supporting version 1.0p2 of the SystemC Verification Library (SCV) teaches delegates how to debug and validate models, and exploit the library. Based on these modules, team-based and in-house training can be customised to fit the content, scope and duration needed to best-fit a specific customer requirement. In particular, the following SystemC topics can be emphasised if desired: Hardware synthesis from SystemC, including both RTL and behavioural synthesis An in-depth focus on the mechanisms used in the SystemC class libraries. This is aimed at specialists who wish to develop their own channel models and at those integrating the SystemC classes into other simulation environments. Using the SystemC Verification library (SCV) Building a transaction level model of a typical bus-based platform with multiple masters at various levels of abstraction (PV, PVT, CA etc) Workshops within the course are based around carefully designed exercises to reinforce and challenge the extent of learning, and comprise approximately 50% of class time. The workshops can be provided in the context of the customer s own choice of tools and supplemental tool training can be arranged in collaboration with the vendor if needed. Please contact Doulos to discuss specific tool requirements.
Who should attend? Hardware design engineers who wish to become skilled in the practical use of SystemC for digital hardware design and verification. System engineers and architects who wish to become skilled in the practical use of SystemC for system level modelling. Software engineers who already have good knowledge of C/C++, but wish to acquire some practical experience in the use of the SystemC class libraries. Hardware, software and systems engineers who are familiar with the SystemC class library and want to learn to use SystemC more effectively for Transaction-Level Modelling. What will you learn? The C++ language features necessary to master SystemC Object-oriented programming techniques as used by the SystemC class libraries The SystemC core language, data types and channels How to make best use of the SystemC simulator and SCV to debug and validate your models The features of SystemC and the OSCI TLM interface standard for Transaction-Level Modelling How to write Transaction-Level Models of common System-on-Chip platform components such as busses, masters and slaves. How to choose the appropriate level of abstraction for a Transaction-Level Model How to refine SystemC models between multiple levels of abstraction Gain an introduction to hardware synthesis using SystemC How to code for compilation, simulation speed and IP re-use The SCV core classes and facilities The additional features in Cadence Verification Extensions Pre-requisites Essential C++ for SystemC Delegates need basic knowledge of the C programming language; in particular, familiarity with C functions, variables, data types, operators, and statements. Recent hands-on experience of another similar programming language such as Java, or behavioural-style HDLs is advantageous. This module is suitable for people with no previous knowledge of C++ or as a refresher for those with limited knowledge of C. Fundamentals of SystemC A working knowledge of C++ and of object-oriented programming concepts is essential and basic knowledge of hardware design is recommended. Prior attendance of the Doulos Essential C++ course (or equivalent) is required. Delegates with C++ experience should check their knowledge against the SystemC C++ Pre-requisites, available from Doulos, before attending. The course is suitable for electronic hardware, software or systems engineers, but in order to gain maximum benefit from this course, delegates should be active users of either a high-level software programming language (ideally C++) or a hardware description language (VHDL or Verilog ) Expert SystemC Modelling Delegates need a good working knowledge of C++ and of the
SystemC class library. Prior attendance of Doulos Comprehensive SystemC training course (or equivalent) is required. Expert SystemC Verification Delegates must have a good working knowledge of C++ and SystemC. Prior attendance of the Doulos Comprehensive SystemC training course (or equivalent) is required. No previous knowledge of constrained random verification is needed, as this will be introduced during the course. Course materials Doulos course materials are renowned for being the most comprehensive and user friendly available. Their style, content and coverage is unique in the HDL training world, and has made them sought after resources in their own right. Fees include: Fully indexed course notes creating a complete reference manual Workbook full of practical examples and solutions to help you apply your knowledge Doulos SystemC Golden Reference Guide for language, syntax, semantics and tips. Structure and content Essential C++ for SystemC (2 days) Day 1 Learn about the differences between C and C++ From C to C++ The features added to C by C++ and the ANSI C-1999 standard const bool Header files Namespaces The global and standard namespaces Stream I/O Functions and Pointers Learn how functions and dynamic memory allocation have changed in C++ Pass-by-reference Function prototypes Default arguments Function overloading Operator overloading Static, automatic and dynamic storage new delete The C++ Standard Library Learn to make the most of the built-in standard classes Container classes Examples of using the standard vector class Examples of using the standard string and stringstream classes Classes and Objects Learn the principles of object-based design Information hiding Abstract data types Classes and objects Public and private class members Member functions Scope resolution Day 2 Master the subtleties of object-oriented programming in C++
Class Members Master the C++ mechanisms associated with classes Constructors Destructors Copy constructors Pointers versus objects Friends this Overloading operators as members Static members Constant objects and members Inheritance Learn to exploit the power of object-oriented programming Class relationships Initializing subobjects The default constructor Derived classes Inheritance Protected members Up- and down-casting Order of initialization Virtual Functions Delve deeper into object-oriented programming techniques Overriding methods Virtual functions Polymorphism Run-time type identification Abstract base classes Multiple inheritance Further C++ Features Advanced C++ features used in the SystemC class libraries Function templates Class templates Implicit conversions User-defined conversions Exceptions Fundamentals of SystemC (3 days) Day 3 Become proficient in using the features of SystemC Introduction to SystemC Learn the background to SystemC and how SystemC fits into the system-level design flow The architecture of the SystemC release The benefits and risks of adopting SystemC The objectives of transaction-level modelling Getting Started Learn how SystemC source code is structured and how to organise files SystemC header files and namespaces Compiling and executing a SystemC model Modules and Hierarchy How to describe the structural connections between modules Modules Ports Processes Signals Methods Primitive channels Module instantiation Port binding Processes and Time Describing concurrency and the passage of time SC_METHOD SC_THREAD Event finders Static and dynamic sensitivity Time Events Clocks Dynamic processes The Scheduler Gain an insight into how SystemC manages the scheduling of processes and events Starting and stopping simulation Elaboration and simulation callbacks The phases of simulation Event notification Event queues wait and next_trigger
Day 4 Learn to apply SystemC to modelling data, communication and busses. Debugging and Tracing Learn about the facilities provided by SystemC to ease debugging and diagnostics Debugging techniques The standard reporting mechanism Error handling Writing trace (vcd) files Tracing buried signals and local variables Using waveform display tools SystemC Data Types Data types for bit-accurate and hardware modelling Signed and unsigned integers Limited and finite precision integers Assignment and truncation Type conversion Bit and part selects Concatenation Bit and logic vectors Hexadecimal numbers Avoiding common pitfalls Bus resolution Fixed point types Interfaces and Channels Learn how channels are used to abstract communication and create fast simulation models Hierarchical, primitive and minimal channels Interface method calls SystemC interfaces Port-less channel access The SystemC object hierarchy The class sc_port Registering ports How to make the most of ports, channels and interfaces Day 5 Exploration of the application of Transaction-Level Modelling Bus Modelling Learn the techniques required to write and use bus models in SystemC Master and slave interfaces The execution context of interface method calls Blocking and non-blocking methods Using events and dynamic sensitivity within channels Multi-ports Port binding policies sc_export Refinement An example of refinement from a C algorithm through untimed and timed SystemC models down to a mixed hardware-software implementation SystemC wrappers Timing annotation Using sc_buffer Structural refinement, communication refinement, and data refinement Adapters Channel refinement using adapters Events versus event finders Instantiating and binding adapters Transaction-Level Modelling The transaction-level modelling space The functional, architecture, programmers and verification views TLM principles Transactions versus transfers Passing request and response objects The OSCI TLM standard The standard blocking, non-blocking and transport interfaces Implementing the transport and protocol layers
Supplementary Subjects Fixed Point Types Fixed point word length and integer word length Quantization modes Overflow modes Fixed point context The type cast switch Utility methods Overview of SystemC Synthesis RTL versus behavioural synthesis technology The work of the OSCI synthesis working group Synthesizable data types Clocked threads and resets Restrictions Overview of the SystemC Verification Library Introduction to and aims of SCV Constrained random verification methodology Extended data types to support introspection Randomization Transaction Recording Expert SystemC Modelling (2 days) Day 1 Introduction - Transaction-Level Modelling Definition of TLM TLM abstraction levels and use cases The Functional, Architectural, Programmers and Verification Views Principles of TLM Implementing transactions using unidirectional transfers and copy semantics Blocking and non-blocking function calls Transport layer modelling and the OSCI TLM standard SystemC Reprise A reprise of SystemC features useful for TLM Hierarchical, primitive and minimal channels Using ports and exports Features of the sc_interface class Implementing design rule checks Creating specialised ports Creating and using event finders User-defined primitive channels Spawning dynamic processes Process termination The Programmers View The assumptions behind the PV use case Creating a deterministic system model Synchronisation between multiple masters PV versus PVT The bidirectional blocking transport interface Passing request and response objects Implementing PV masters and slaves Implementing the PV convenience layer of initiator ports and slave base classes Implementing a PV router The TAC protocol The Architectural View AV characteristics Modelling architectures with two-ended TL- channels Active versus passive models The unidirectional blocking and non-blocking interfaces The OSCI TLM request-response channel and FIFO channel The OSCI TLM interface inheritance hierarchy Using master and slave exports
Day 2 AV Timing The OCP TLM APIs Annotating timing onto the protocol layer Modelling latency and recovery times Explicit versus implicit timing models PV-AV adapters and the OSCI transport channel Arbitration and Routing Blocking versus non-blocking arbiter implementations The generic OSCI TLM arbiter Creating sensitivity to multiple channels Implementing TLM routers Transport layer plug-and-play The Cycle Accurate Level CA characteristics Two-phase simulation semantics and the request-update mechanism Using sc_signals CA coding tricks and traps PV-CA adapters Creating SystemC IP Optimising compilation speed Optimising simulation speed Selecting data types and channels Hiding implementation details in deployed IP Forward declarations Optional ports Parameterised modules Issues with class templates Using the non-templated base classes Expert SystemC Verification (2 days) Verification Methodology Black and White Box Testing Simulation and coverage Verification Methodology Overview What is Testbench Automation? How SystemC and SCV fit in to verification Obtaining SCV Data Introspection Extensions to data Static vs Dynamic extensions Extensions components Extending built-in data types Extending User Defined Data Types User-defined data types with private attributes Accessing Static Data Extensions Randomization Randomization Dynamic extensions Shared (reference-counted) pointers Smart Pointers Randomizing user defined data Weighted distributions using bags Weighted distributions using keep Reproducibility Using Seed Files Constraints Why we need constraints Hard vs Soft Creating constraints scv_constraint_base Constraining a simple data type Constraining a user data type Enabling and disabling constraints Methods vs attributes Overloading next() Hierarchical Constraints Transaction Recording Requirements for transaction recording Stream, generators, databases Creating output Transaction attributes Using the transaction database Other SCV Features Using SCV_REPORT The HDL Connection API SCV data types (scv_sparse_array)
SystemC Dynamic Threads Dynamic Thread Applications Spawning Threads and Methods Setting spawn options Spawning functions Spawning member functions scx_barrier Cadence Verification Extensions (CVE) [optional] CVE Wizards Connecting to ncsim Recording to an SDI database Dynamic Thread Creation Other data types (smart queues) Doulos acknowledges trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners Related courses Comprehensive SystemC public course comprising Essential C++ & Fundamentals of SystemC Comprehensive C++ ARM SoC Design Essential Digital Design Techniques Project services Doulos Project Services enable clients to access our world-leading technical know-how and apply it directly to projects. Expert-on-call, Expert-design and Expert-support options can be flexibly packaged and delivered to provide valuable expertise and additional resource just when it is needed. How to book a course To make a provisional booking, or to obtain pricing information, please contact your local Doulos sales team. You will find contact details on our website.