Bidirectional socket stimulus interface for a logic simulator

Abstract

A communications socket between a logic simulator and a system for generating input stimuli based on the current state of the logic simulator is provided. Input stimuli to the logic simulator for use in implementing a particular circuit design simulation are calculated by interfacing an input program which models the function of the circuit being designed with the logic simulator. The lines in this input program are converted by an adaptive vector generator into communications signals which are understandable by the logic simulator so that the desired simulation may take place. The input program thus enables the adaptive vector generator to behaviorally model complex logical systems that the logic simulator model is only a part of and allows for more accurate and detailed simulation. The adaptive vector generator does this by determining the next input vector state in accordance with the present state of the logic simulator model as received from the communications socket. In other words, based on the state data received from the logic simulator, the adaptive vector generation automatically calculates the next stimulus pattern for the logic simulator model and provides this stimuli to the logic simulator through the communications socket. This technique removes the tediousness of the prior art techniques in that the design engineer no longer needs to specify every input step and to anticipate the output state of the circuit.