Coding Question Assessment
Coding Question Assessment
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Coding Questions
Basic Cross Coverage Implementation
Write a SystemVerilog covergroup that implements cross coverage between two coverpoints: data
(8 bits) and valid (4 bits). Include at least three bins for each coverpoint.
Using iff Construct
Modify the covergroup from question 1 to include an iff condition that only allows coverage when
a reset signal (reset_n) is low. Explain how the iff construct affects the coverage.
Implementing binsof and intersect
Create a covergroup with two coverpoints: addr (8 bits) and data (8 bits). Define bins for both
coverpoints and implement a cross coverage that uses the binsof and intersect constructs to
include only those combinations where addr is in the range [100:200].
Excluding Bins with ignore_bins
Extend the covergroup from question 3 to exclude certain cross products using ignore_bins.
Specifically, exclude combinations where addr is in the range [150:199].
Using illegal_bins
Write a covergroup that includes illegal_bins to prevent certain combinations of addr and data.
For example, disallow combinations where addr is 255 and data is 0.
Complex Cross Coverage
Design a covergroup that includes three coverpoints: cmd (3 bits), addr (8 bits), and data (8 bits).
Implement cross coverage for all combinations and specify bins that should be ignored based on
certain conditions (e.g., ignore combinations where cmd is 3).
Functional Coverage Analysis
Given a design with a state machine, write a covergroup that captures the states and transitions.
Implement cross coverage to analyze the relationship between the current state and the input
signals.
Testing Coverage Metrics
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Write a testbench that drives random values to a design under test (DUT) and collects coverage
metrics using the covergroups you defined in previous questions. How would you verify that your
coverage goals are met?
Conditional Coverage
Create a covergroup that captures coverage for a signal data only when an enable signal en is
high. Use the iff construct to implement this condition.
Cross Coverage with Multiple Variables
Write a covergroup that implements cross coverage for three variables: addr (8 bits), data (8 bits),
and valid (1 bit). Define bins for each variable and demonstrate how to exclude certain cross
products
These are interesting and thorough SystemVerilog questions that touch on important coverage
concepts. When you're ready, you can share your answers one by one, and I'll provide detailed
feedback.
1. Syntax and Structure: Correct SystemVerilog syntax and appropriate use of constructs (like
`iff`, `binsof`, `intersect`, `ignore_bins`, `illegal_bins`).
2. Correctness of Logic: How well the answer achieves the specified functionality, like conditionally
enabling coverage, defining bins accurately, and managing ignored/illegal combinations.
3. Completeness: Coverage for all required conditions, appropriate bin definitions, and handling of
conditions like `reset_n` being low, or `addr` within specified ranges.
4. Optimization: Effective use of constructs without redundancy, ensuring the solution is optimal
and efficient.
Feel free to start with the first one, and we can work through each one step by step.
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coverage.
5. Using `illegal_bins`
Write a covergroup that includes `illegal_bins` to prevent certain combinations of `addr`
and `data`. For example, disallow combinations where `addr` is 255 and `data` is 0.
9. Conditional Coverage
Create a covergroup that captures coverage for a signal `data` only when an enable signal
`en` is high. Use the `iff` construct to implement this condition.
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covergroup basic_cover;
option.per_instance = 1;
cp1:coverpoint data {
bins data_bin[3] = {[0:100], [101:150], [151:255]};
}
cp2:coverpoint valid {
bins valid_bin[3] = {[0:5], [6:10], [11:15]};
}
basic_cover bc;
initial begin
bc = new();
repeat(500) begin
data = $urandom_range(0,255);
valid = $urandom_range(0, 15);
bc.sample();
end
end
endmodule
Your solution for Basic Cross Coverage Implementation is mostly correct and well-structured. Here’s
an assessment of each part and some improvements you could consider:
Feedback
3. Cross Coverage:
The cross `cp1_X_cp2` correctly captures the cross coverage between `data` and `valid`
coverpoints.
4. Random Sampling:
The `repeat(500)` loop with random values for `data` and `valid` will ensure good
coverage of the possible values, making this a practical choice for random sampling.
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5. Improvements:
Sampling Data: The `sample` method should include the signals `data` and `valid` for
correct sampling. To do this, modify `bc.sample()` to `bc.sample(data, valid);` or assign
`data` and `valid` within the covergroup sampling.
Module Naming: The name `Basic_Cross_Coverage_Implementation` works, but using
lowercase letters and underscores (like `basic_cross_coverage`) is a common convention in
SystemVerilog to improve readability.
systemverilog
module basic_cross_coverage;
bit [7:0] data;
bit [3:0] valid;
basic_cover bc;
initial begin
bc = new();
repeat(500) begin
data = $urandom_range(0,255);
valid = $urandom_range(0,15);
bc.sample(); // Updated to sample data and valid signals implicitly
end
end
endmodule
Explanation of Changes
Event Trigger (`@(data or valid)`): This triggers the covergroup when either `data` or `valid`
changes, ensuring that each time new values are assigned, they are sampled.
Sample Method Update: Adding the event trigger (`@(data or valid)`) eliminates the need to
explicitly call `bc.sample(data, valid);`.
Summary
Your answer is almost perfect! Implementing these minor adjustments will make your code a bit more
robust and convention-compliant. Excellent work!
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answer for question 2:
module basic_cross_coverage;
bit [7:0] data;
bit [3:0] valid;
bit reset_n;
basic_cover bc;
initial begin
bc = new();
repeat(500) begin
#1;
data = $urandom_range(0,255);
valid = $urandom_range(0,15);
bc.sample(); // Updated to sample data and valid signals implicitly
end
end
initial begin
reset_n=1;
#250 reset_n=0;
end
endmodule
Your solution for Using `iff` Construct is mostly correct, with some minor adjustments needed to
meet the requirements. Here’s an assessment and suggested improvements:
Feedback
3. Cross Coverage:
The cross `cp1_X_cp2` is defined, but currently, it doesn’t have its own `iff` condition. If the
requirement is to only include cross coverage when `reset_n` is low, you should add an
`iff(!reset_n)` condition to the cross as well.
4. Random Sampling:
The `repeat(500)` loop generates values correctly; however, calling `bc.sample()` will
sample the covergroup regardless of `reset_n`. Consider letting the `iff` condition filter
out samples when `reset_n` is high.
5. Reset Logic:
Initializing `reset_n` to 1 and switching to 0 halfway through the simulation is a good
approach for testing both states.
systemverilog
module basic_cross_coverage;
bit [7:0] data;
bit [3:0] valid;
bit reset_n;
basic_cover bc;
initial begin
bc = new();
repeat(500) begin
#1;
data = $urandom_range(0, 255);
valid = $urandom_range(0, 15);
// No need for explicit sample call; `iff` will handle the sampling condition
end
end
initial begin
reset_n = 1;
#250 reset_n = 0; // After 250 units of time, reset_n is deasserted
end
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endmodule
Explanation of Changes
Cross Coverage `iff` Condition: Adding `iff(!reset_n)` to the `cp1_X_cp2` cross ensures that
cross coverage is only captured when `reset_n` is low, not just the individual coverpoints.
Sample Trigger: By defining `@(data or valid)` in the covergroup, sampling occurs
automatically when `data` or `valid` changes, but only if `reset_n` is low.
The `iff(!reset_n)` condition restricts coverage collection to situations when `reset_n` is low.
This means that coverage data will not be recorded when `reset_n` is high, effectively filtering
out those conditions from the coverage results. This is particularly useful in scenarios where
certain states (like reset) should not contribute to coverage metrics.
Summary
Great job! The answer is mostly correct, and applying these small refinements will make your code
more aligned with typical best practices in SystemVerilog coverage.
basic_cover bc;
initial begin
bc = new();
repeat(500) begin
#1;
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addr = $urandom_range(0, 255);
data = $urandom_range(0, 255);
end
end
endmodule
Your solution for Implementing `binsof` and `intersect` is close, but there are a few improvements
that can help meet the requirements more accurately. Here’s an assessment along with suggested
modifications.
Feedback
3. Random Sampling:
The `repeat(500)` loop generates random values for `addr` and `data`, which is good.
However, `bc.sample();` should be included to sample the values into the covergroup.
4. Adjustments Needed:
Define bins correctly to have three ranges each, rather than `[8]`.
Modify the `cp1_X_cp2` cross to focus on combinations where `addr` falls within
`[100:200]`.
systemverilog
module binsof_and_intersect;
bit [7:0] addr;
bit [7:0] data;
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cp2: coverpoint data {
bins data_bin[] = { [0:100], [101:150], [151:255] };
}
// Use `binsof` and `intersect` to restrict cross coverage to `addr` in range [100:20
0]
cp1_X_cp2: cross cp1, cp2 {
bins limited_cross = binsof(cp1.addr_bin) intersect { [100:200] };
}
endgroup
basic_cover bc;
initial begin
bc = new();
repeat(500) begin
#1;
addr = $urandom_range(0, 255);
data = $urandom_range(0, 255);
bc.sample();
end
end
endmodule
Explanation of Changes
Bins Definition: Used `bins addr_bin[]` and `bins data_bin[]` to define three specific ranges.
The empty brackets `[]` specify the bins should match the defined ranges.
Cross Coverage Update: In the `cp1_X_cp2` cross, I used `binsof(cp1.addr_bin) intersect {
[100:200] };` to limit the cross coverage to only those `addr` values within `[100:200]`.
Sampling Data: Added `bc.sample();` to ensure that the covergroup samples data each cycle.
The `binsof` construct allows you to reference specific bins within a coverpoint (like `addr_bin`
for `cp1`).
`intersect` then narrows down the bins for `addr` to only those that fall within the specified
range `[100:200]`, effectively focusing the cross coverage on this subset of `addr` values.
Summary
This revised version captures the intention of `binsof` and `intersect` accurately and makes sure the
cross coverage only includes `addr` values within `[100:200]`. Great attempt! This solution should now
fully meet the requirements.
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bins addr_bin[] = { [0:100], [101:150], [151:255] };
}
// Use `binsof` and `intersect` to restrict cross coverage to `addr` in range [100:200]
cp1_X_cp2: cross cp1, cp2 {
ignore_bins ignore_addr = binsof(cp1.addr_bin) intersect { [150:199] };
}
endgroup
basic_cover bc;
initial begin
bc = new();
repeat(500) begin
#1;
addr = $urandom_range(0, 255);
data = $urandom_range(0, 255);
bc.sample();
end
end
endmodule
Your solution for Excluding Bins with `ignore_bins` is almost correct, but let’s review some areas that
could use adjustment.
Feedback
3. Random Sampling:
You have correctly set up the random sampling loop and the covergroup sampling, which is
great.
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systemverilog
module binsof_and_intersect;
bit [7:0] addr;
bit [7:0] data;
basic_cover bc;
initial begin
bc = new();
repeat(500) begin
#1;
addr = $urandom_range(0, 255);
data = $urandom_range(0, 255);
bc.sample();
end
end
endmodule
Explanation of Changes
Ignore Bins Update: Adjusted `ignore_bins` to apply directly to the cross `cp1_X_cp2`, using
`binsof(cp1_X_cp2)` and `intersect` to filter out the combinations where `addr` falls in the
`[150:199]` range.
Summary
This updated version applies the `ignore_bins` construct more effectively to exclude the specified
`addr` range from the cross coverage. Good attempt overall! This approach should now meet all
specified requirements for excluding certain cross products.
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Thank you for pointing that out! The question specifies that the range to exclude is `[100:200]` for
`addr`, not `[150:199]`. Let's adjust the code accordingly.
Revised Solution
To exclude cross products where `addr` is in the range `[100:200]`, we can modify the `ignore_bins` to
filter out this range precisely. Here’s the corrected version:
systemverilog
module binsof_and_intersect;
bit [7:0] addr;
bit [7:0] data;
basic_cover bc;
initial begin
bc = new();
repeat(500) begin
#1;
addr = $urandom_range(0, 255);
data = $urandom_range(0, 255);
bc.sample();
end
end
endmodule
Explanation of Changes
Range Correction: Updated the `ignore_bins` statement to exclude cross combinations where
`addr` is in the range `[100:200]` as specified in the question.
Effect of `ignore_bins`: Now, any cross-product combinations of `addr` within `[100:200]` with
any value of `data` will be excluded from the coverage, effectively removing them from the
collected results.
Summary
This revised code now accurately implements the exclusion for `addr` values in `[100:200]` for cross
coverage, fulfilling the question's requirements exactly. Thank you for catching that detail!
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how you are doing this "where addr is in the range [100:200]."
To achieve "where `addr` is in the range `[100:200]`," I am using the `ignore_bins` construct with
`binsof` and `intersect` to limit the cross coverage collection for the specified range. Here’s how it
works step-by-step:
1. `binsof(cp1_X_cp2)`: The `binsof` function is used to reference specific bins within the cross
`cp1_X_cp2` (the cross between `addr` and `data` coverpoints). By applying `binsof` to the cross,
we are saying, "Consider the bins generated by the cross of `addr` and `data`."
2. `intersect { [100:200] }`: The `intersect` keyword is used here to further specify that only bins
where `addr` falls within `[100:200]` should be ignored. By intersecting with `[100:200]`, we are
creating a filter that excludes any cross coverage bins where `addr` falls within this range,
regardless of the `data` value.
Example Breakdown
If `addr` ranges from `100` to `200`, `ignore_bins` will prevent combinations like:
Only combinations where `addr` is outside `[100:200]` will contribute to coverage metrics.
This approach ensures that no cross coverage bins within this specified `addr` range are counted,
thereby fulfilling the requirement to exclude combinations with `addr` in `[100:200]`.
The `ignore_bins` statement is configured specifically to focus on the `addr` range and not the `data`
range because of how `binsof` and `intersect` are applied. Here’s a detailed explanation:
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The `intersect` function in `binsof(cp1_X_cp2) intersect { [100:200] };` specifically filters
the `addr` values to those within `[100:200]`. Since we are intersecting with `{ [100:200]
}`, this tells SystemVerilog to focus only on the cross bins where `addr` values fall within
`[100:200]`.
This intersection affects only `addr` because `{ [100:200] }` is a range that applies to the
`addr` signal, not `data`.
The `ignore_bins` configuration here does not specify a range or condition for `data`. Therefore,
`data` remains unrestricted, and only cross combinations with `addr` in `[100:200]` are excluded,
leaving all other `addr` values (outside `[100:200]`) with full cross coverage over the entire `data`
range.
This approach works specifically because we’re only intersecting the `addr` values, which leaves `data`
completely unrestricted.
If you want to apply the `intersect` condition to restrict cross coverage based on specific `data`
values as well, you can modify the `ignore_bins` statement to include a range for both `addr` and
`data`. This way, you can specify which combinations of `addr` and `data` should be ignored.
Here’s how you can set this up in your `covergroup` using `intersect` for both `addr` and `data`
ranges.
systemverilog
module binsof_and_intersect;
bit [7:0] addr;
bit [7:0] data;
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option.per_instance = 1;
// Ignore cross products where addr is in range [100:200] and data is in range [50:10
0]
ignore_bins ignore_specific_range = binsof(cp1_X_cp2) intersect { [100:200], [50:100]
};
endgroup
basic_cover bc;
initial begin
bc = new();
repeat(500) begin
#1;
addr = $urandom_range(0, 255);
data = $urandom_range(0, 255);
bc.sample();
end
end
endmodule
Explanation
Using `intersect { [100:200], [50:100] }`: This condition now applies the `intersect` range to
both `addr` and `data`.
`[100:200]`applies to `addr`, restricting cross coverage to this specific range for `addr`.
`[50:100]`applies to `data`, so the cross coverage is further filtered to ignore cross bins
where `data` is within `[50:100]` alongside `addr` in `[100:200]`.
Summary
By specifying both ranges in `intersect`, you are selectively ignoring only the cross combinations of
`addr` and `data` that fall within these specified ranges, allowing precise control over which cross
products to exclude from the coverage.
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If you only need to ignore specific bins for the `data` coverpoint without affecting `addr`, you can
define `ignore_bins` directly on the `data` coverpoint (`cp2`). This way, you target only the `data`
values that should be ignored, without impacting the `addr` range.
Let’s say you want to ignore `data` values in the range `[50:100]`. Here’s how you can set that up in
your `covergroup`:
systemverilog
module ignore_data_bins;
bit [7:0] addr;
bit [7:0] data;
basic_cover bc;
initial begin
bc = new();
repeat(500) begin
#1;
addr = $urandom_range(0, 255);
data = $urandom_range(0, 255);
bc.sample();
end
end
endmodule
Explanation
Summary
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By defining `ignore_bins` only within `cp2`, you target specific values of `data` to be ignored, leaving
the `addr` coverage unaffected. This method provides precise control over ignoring particular values
for one coverpoint without influencing the other.
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