Synopsys Virtual Prototyping Day 2025

We present a flow to efficiently evaluate processor cores in automotive SoC architectures. We overcome the limited availability of accurate processor models by using Verilator to translate processor RTL. The resulting SystemC model is easily imported into Platform Architect for SoC-level design space exploration. A case study demonstrates the flow of importing the verilated open-source CVA6 RISC-V core into a system-level automotive SoC architecture using Synopsys Platform Architect. We show that accurate performance evaluation with minimal cycle-count deviation and easy integration is achieved.

Windows driver development traditionally depends on early hardware availability, which can slow down bring-up and validation. In this session, we explore how Microsoft leveraged the Synopsys Virtualizer platform to accelerate driver development for both PCIe Endpoint and Host devices — even before silicon was available.

We’ll walk through two real-world scenarios that highlight the flexibility and power of Virtualizer-based workflows. First, we’ll cover how the Synopsys Virtual Host Solution was used to develop and validate drivers for a PCIe Endpoint device. Then, we’ll dive into how Windows was successfully booted on a virtual platform modeling a Microsoft SoC to enable host-side driver development — entirely in a virtual environment.

Attendees will gain insights into setting up virtual platforms for Windows driver development, understand the challenges and benefits of virtual prototyping, and see how firmware, driver, and hardware modeling engineers can collaborate more effectively using Synopsys tools.

–This presentation discusses how transformative role of simulation helps Grundfos to develop high-quality pumps. It explains how Saber as a circuit simulator act like virtual tools, allowing engineers to see how circuits behave and analyze data after simulations. The workflow at Grundfos is improved by these simulations, making the development process more efficient. An example of a motor drive is used to show how modeling in Saber and verification steps are carried out. The integration of simulation tools has significantly improved the accuracy and efficiency of pump development, bridging the gap between conceptual designs and real-world applications. 

Custom silicon designers face the daunting task of selecting and configuring third-party IPs from a vast array of options, while ensuring compatibility and integration with their System-on-Chip (SoC) design. To address this challenge, we employed a comprehensive approach using SNPS Platform Architect, examining three key axes: core type, core configuration, and SoC memory hierarchy optimizations.

By defining and analyzing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as IPC/runtime, CSR writing throughput, and memory-bound BW, we identified the optimal configuration that balances performance and power consumption. Furthermore, our study revealed opportunities for simplifying IP configuration through memory hierarchy optimizations, resulting in reduced memory latency and smaller IP cache/area.

This holistic approach enables early architecture design exploration and optimization, facilitating the identification of potential issues and opportunities for improvement. By adopting this methodology, custom silicon designers can reduce development costs and accelerate time-to-market, ultimately driving innovation in the field.

–The AC analysis of DC power converters can take many forms, often with trade-offs. A time domain method based on transient simulations of the perturbed circuit is presented. Guidance for the successful implementation of Multi-tone Periodic AC (PAC) is provided. Because it does not require the circuit to be piecewise linear, this time-domain method can be implemented with a broad class of circuit simulators, including Saber.

In today's fast-paced market, delivering complex System-on-Chips (SoCs) like the Altera® Agilex™ family demands more than just robust design; it requires a revolutionary approach to validation. This presentation will reveal how our strategic integration of virtual prototyping, born from a powerful co-engineering partnership between Altera® (an Intel Company) and Synopsys, is fundamentally transforming the journey from architectural concept to confident product launch.

We'll demonstrate how this innovative methodology empowers teams to proactively optimize performance, significantly slash development cycles, and reduce costly design iterations—all before silicon is even available. Notably, given the initial absence of dedicated SystemC performance models for critical ARM Cores, our co-engineering efforts led us to pioneer an advanced RTL co-simulation approach. This proved essential for achieving the high-fidelity performance analysis required for our complex Adaptive SoC designs.

By leveraging these detailed models and ensuring tight correlation with emulation, we gain unparalleled accuracy and confidence. Join us to discover how this collaborative 'shift-left' approach is not only enabling superior quality products, such as the industry-leading Altera Agilex 3 and Agilex 5, to reach the market faster, but also empowering our customers with the insights they need to innovate with unprecedented speed.

This presentation will demonstrate the use of Saber to efficiently evaluate and optimize the closed-loop, frequency-domain behavior of a continuous-time (s-domain) controller for a DC-DC converter over the entire locus of allowed load impedances.  Once the s-domain controller design is complete and acceptable stability & performance characteristics are achieved, the presentation will show how Saber can be used to compare the frequency domain behavior of a z-domain approximation of the controller to that of the s-domain controller and ultimately evaluate the behavior of a discrete time version of the controller in time domain to validate the design prior to prototyping.

This study highlights the pivotal role of Silicon Carbide (SiC), a prominent Wide Band Gap semiconductor, in enhancing the performance of automotive power electronics using MOSFETs. SiC's exceptional thermal conductivity, high voltage capacity, and reduced energy losses are essential for developing efficient and reliable automotive systems. Accurate modeling is vital for navigating the complex and variable conditions in automotive environments.

To address the increasing need for detailed models and rapid simulations, this approach employs both the Saber Power MOSFET Tool and MAST Language for custom modeling. These tools enhance continuous nonlinear estimations and reduce discrete event occurrences, enabling optimized operations in key regions.

This strategy not only boosts modeling accuracy and efficiency under challenging conditions but also significantly advances automotive designs utilizing SiC technology, fostering the creation of safer and more efficient electric vehicles. 

Coolant pumps are essential components in both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) cooling systems, maintaining optimal temperatures for various vehicle systems. In ICE vehicles, these pumps circulate coolant to regulate engine and charge air temperatures, preventing overheating and improving combustion efficiency to meet emission standards. In EVs, they manage the thermal conditions of batteries and power electronics, enhancing reliability and extending the lifespan of components. Buehler Motor's coolant pump technology features both centrifugal and screw pump designs, with power ranges from 20W to 450W.

These pumps include custom software functions for self-protection, vehicle communication, and emergency modes. A virtual prototype can serve as an executable spec to test and validate these various hardware and software functions and modes within system level applications. ROI of simulation also extends to examination of statistical variations of pump performance in face of what-if system disparities. Buehler pumps are precisely engineered to meet specific customer requirements, incorporating BLDC motors, sensors, control electronics, and software.