Accelerating Windows Driver Development Using Synopsys Virtualizer

Windows driver development traditionally depends on early hardware availability, which can slow down bring-up and validation. In this presentation, 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.

Microsoft walks through two real-world scenarios that highlight the flexibility and power of Virtualizer-based workflows. First, the Synopsys Virtual Host Solution was used to develop and validate drivers for a PCIe Endpoint device. Then, 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.