Key Points

• Introduction of a new functional coverage tool called Bucket, developed in Python.
• Unique features include easy integration with Python test benches and the ability to sample data from various sources.
• Actively developed and open-source, aimed at improving functional coverage in verification processes.

Overview

The video features Stuart Alldred discussing the Bucket functional coverage tool, which is part of Viper Core. This tool is designed to enhance verification processes by providing a flexible and user-friendly way to create covergroups and coverpoints. It is fully written in Python, allowing for easy integration with Python test benches and is simulator-independent, meaning it can operate without being tied to a specific simulator introduction.

Features

• Cover Points and Axes: Cover points consist of axes that can represent various signals or data levels. Users can define values and ranges for coverage cover points.
• Goals and Tiers: Each cover point can have specific goals for hits, and users can categorize them into tiers based on importance, allowing for prioritized testing goals.
• Data Sampling: The tool can sample data directly from the design under test (DUT), higher abstraction levels, or even parse logs/test outputs data sampling.

User Interface

The Bucket tool includes a web-based viewer for easy navigation and filtering of coverage data. Users can sort and analyze coverage metrics effectively web viewer.

Development and Future Plans

Bucket is under active development, with plans for improved merging capabilities and tracking which test cases contribute to specific coverage areas. It is fully open-source and available on GitHub development.