Educational tutorial series to learn FPGA verification framework cocotb
This series dives into the FPGA verification framework cocotb using hands-on examples. The main use case that is presented is AXI image transfer and processing. Each chapter of the series builds upon the previous one consecutively.
Central topics
- Parameterized tests (generics, data inputs...etc.)
- Simulation co-processing
- AXI4-stream, AXI4-Lite bus interface support
- Random AXI4-stream handshake toggling
- command line execution for tests
- waveform analysis
DISCLAIMER: The series is designed for educational purposes. It was authored at a specific point in time using particular versions of tools, which quite possibly have since been updated or changed.
A working Linux environment with python, cocotb, ghdl and gtkwave installed.
| Part | Description |
|---|---|
| Part 1 "The beginning" |
Intro. Simple DUT with parameterized cocotb testbench. Waveform viewer. |
| Part 2 "AXI-stream images" |
Using AXI-stream master/slave to stream data through a DUT. 1 PPC. Assert image data. Read and write RGB pnm images. |
| Part 3 "More tests and simulation co-processing" |
Parameterization for cocotb tests. Multiple cocotb test functions. Select test cases. Simulation co-processing. Environment variables. |
| Part 4 "Debugging a design error" |
Improve test asserts. Support for 2 and 4 PPC AXI-stream. Debug error in design through test cases, waveform and Python debugger. |
| Part 5 "AXI-lite register access" |
AXI-lite implementation to r/w registers. Random handshake toggling. VHDL 2008 sources. More simulator arguments. Specialized setup functions. |