System hardware/software co-design ensures first pass success

The increasing complexity of electronic systems and the pressure to reduce time to market are at the root of the current interest in hardware/software co-design. Full system development and debug requires the ability to exercise the system software in conjunction with the hardware circuits of the design. Traditionally, this involves the need to wait for physical prototypes before beginning software testing and debug. Co-design can bring the test and validation of a system closer to the architectural phase where it is needed most. Early verification that the design meets specified requirements can radically impact the efficiency of the development cycle. During the past few years, the use of hardware description (or design) languages (HDLs) and digital simulation have advanced to a point where the concurrent development of software and hardware is feasible. This approach can yield substantial reductions in time-to-market for embedded systems.