Configurable Transactor For Pre-Si Boot ROM Validation

BOOTROM is the piece of code that is hardcoded into the ROM mask of the device during manufacturing. This code is responsible for the booting of the device and to download final customer applications. This downloading and booting can be possible through multiple ways, i.e. serial download through LIN [1], UART [2], ENET interface, flash booting, SD card booting etc. As BOOT ROM code is the critical piece of firmware, so its validation becomes imp erative. As this code goes on ROM mask, so any failure detected on silicon will result in re-spin of the device, so it is must to have a robust testing of this firmware in the pre-silicon environment. In this paper, we will touch upon, one of the booting modes (Serial boot) testing in a pre-silicon environment (or framework). We will discuss the challenges and techniques to overcome them.