Fast Model Application Loader Misinterprets UNINIT Section in Scatter Loading Script The Fast Model application loader is designed to load executable files (.axf) into the simulation environment, interpreting the scatter loading script to map memory regions correctly. However, a critical issue arises when the loader encounters a memory region marked as UNINIT in the scatter…
Multiple Initiators Accessing Shared Targets via NIC-400 with AXI/AHBLite Interfaces In systems where multiple initiators, such as communication interfaces, are connected to a shared set of targets via the NIC-400 interconnect, the default behavior of the NIC-400 is to employ arbitration logic to manage access to these targets. This arbitration logic is essential in scenarios…
Cortex-M0+ JTAG Integration and Debug Verification Challenges Integrating the Cortex-M0+ processor into an SoC and ensuring the correctness of the JTAG interface for debugging is a critical task that requires meticulous attention to detail. The JTAG interface is essential for enabling features such as breakpoint insertion, single-stepping, and real-time debugging via tools like GDB. However,…
CHI Interface Lacks Explicit Privilege Level Indication in TX Request Flit The CHI (Coherent Hub Interface) protocol, developed by ARM, is a high-performance, scalable, and coherent interconnect designed for modern SoCs. Unlike the AXI (Advanced eXtensible Interface) protocol, which includes explicit AxPROT bits to indicate privilege levels (privileged vs. non-privileged access), CHI does not provide…
AHB 1kB Boundary Constraints and Their Implications The concept of the 1kB boundary in the ARM Advanced High-performance Bus (AHB) protocol is a critical architectural consideration that impacts both the design and verification of ARM-based System-on-Chip (SoC) implementations. The 1kB boundary rule stipulates that AHB bursts must not cross a 1kB address boundary. This means…
AHB5 Protocol: IDLE and BUSY Transfers in Data Transfer Sequences The AMBA AHB5 protocol is a critical component in ARM-based SoC designs, governing the communication between masters and slaves through a shared bus. One of the key aspects of the AHB5 protocol is the management of wait states using IDLE and BUSY transfers. These transfers…
PMU Register Removal and Cycle Count Measurement Limitations in FVP Corstone SSE-300 The Fast Models Fixed Virtual Platform (FVP) Corstone SSE-300 is a widely used simulation environment for ARM-based SoC designs. One of the critical challenges faced by developers and verification engineers is the accurate measurement of cycle counts for performance analysis. Historically, the Performance…
ARM APB5 PWAKEUP Signal and Clock Gating Synchronization Issues The PWAKEUP signal in the ARM APB5 protocol is a critical component for managing power states in a system where the completer (subordinate) clock can be gated independently of the requester (master) clock. The primary issue arises when the completer clock is gated, and the PWAKEUP…
HTRANS BUSY State Behavior in AHB 2.0 and AHB 5.0 The HTRANS signal in the ARM AMBA AHB protocol is a critical component of the bus transaction mechanism, responsible for indicating the type of transfer being requested by a master. The BUSY state of HTRANS is particularly important as it allows a master to insert…
ARM CoreLink SIE-200 AHB5 Exclusive Access Monitor Overview The ARM CoreLink SIE-200 System IP is a highly configurable and scalable interconnect solution designed for embedded systems. One of its key features is the AHB5 exclusive access monitor, which plays a critical role in managing exclusive access operations in multi-master systems. Exclusive access is a mechanism…