Design using Intellectual Property ("IP") is a method that simply could be called "pick and insert" from a user perspective. Designers of complex chips are often using building blocks created in the languages VHDL or Verilog defining the full functionality of the electronic building block. Many IP suppliers today offer complete working blocks such as CPU cores, memory controller and interfaces. BitSim's experience regarding IP:s covers:
- Re-usage; Designs from previous projects are reused in new projects
- Purchase; Usage of purchased IP:s
- Development; BitSim sells, develops and maintains its own IP:s (BADGE for instance)
- Evaluation; BitSim has evaluated numerous IP:s for own and for customer's interest
There are several aspects to take into account when dealing with IP, no matter whether you are dealing with re-usage, purchase, development or evaluation. These aspects are:
- Demand:
- Functionality
- Target technology
- Integration
- Physics
- Portability
- Evaluation:
- Documentation
- Encrypted (parametrized) simulation model
- Encrypted netlist
- Necessary tools
- Reference cases
- Deliverable and Quality:
- Documentation
- Source code and scripts for synthesis and back-end
- Netlist and scripts for back-end
- Verification
- Drivers
- Law:
- Infringement
- Acceptance
- Sign-Once or similar
- Warranty
- Service
