This white paper introduces the complexity of power management at the software level for mobile devices by means of Linux and Android. The complexity of hardware power management is mirrored in software. A single defect in the power management scheme can have a catastrophic impact on the standby time of a mobile device. We outline how Synopsys Virtual Prototypes address major challenges in the bring-up and validation of power management software. Furthermore, we introduce how virtual prototypes can be used for software-centric power estimation and analysis.
Achim Nohl, Technical Marketing Manager, Synopsys Inc. and Alan Gibbons, Principal Engineer, Synopsys Inc.

This white paper provides you with the understanding of how custom processors offer the flexibility needed to deal with multiple standards, multiple modes and late design changes as well as help minimize verification effort. By means of specialization, they also offer an attractive trade-off between power, performance and area. This makes them ideal for use in a wide variety of applications including video, audio, security, networking, baseband, control and industrial automation applications.
Achim Nohl, Synopsys Inc. and Tom De Schutter, Synopsys Inc.

Virtualization of Electronic Systems plays an increasingly important role for the design of today’s complex electronic systems. This article introduces the usage and benefits of Virtual Prototypes for debug and analysis during embedded software development.
Achim Nohl, Solution Architect, Synopsys, Inc.

Software is a critical component for the development of USB-based designs. In efforts to start software development early and to make it as productive as possible, design teams are often utilizing virtual and FPGA prototypes for software development prior to silicon. While FPGA prototypes can still be made available prior to silicon, virtual prototypes can be utilized even before RTL is available. This white paper describes how virtual prototype use models for hardware/software verification and the integration of the LeCroy analyzer software into Synopsys' DesignWare SuperSpeed USB verification environments help solve SuperSpeed USB IP development challenges.
Tri Nguyen, R&D Engineer