Virtual platforms are fully-functional software models of complete systems, including processors, hardware accelerators, busses, boards, memories and peripherals. Synopsys'
Innovator product line offers the ability to assemble
virtual prototypes from SystemC TLM-2.0-based transaction-level models with characterized and estimated power information. When configured with power-related data, virtual platforms serve several valuable purposes with respect to power:
- For the early development of power management software (which can begin even before RTL is available).
- To assess the effect on power of various design trade-offs and different power schemes, utilizing the actual system software executing on the processor(s).
- To run experiments that guide the architectural partitioning of power-related design features, such as placement of voltage islands.
Given the increasing importance of software as a driver for power consumption, Synopsys’ virtual platform offerings address current and future requirements for early low-power decision making.