System Verilog Practice Exam

The SystemVerilog exam evaluates a candidate's proficiency in using SystemVerilog for hardware design, verification, and modeling. SystemVerilog is an extension of the Verilog hardware description language (HDL), adding features for system-level design and verification. The exam covers various aspects of the language, including its syntax, semantics, and applications in designing and verifying digital systems.

Skills Required

• Understanding of HDL Concepts: Knowledge of hardware description languages, especially Verilog and SystemVerilog.
• Proficiency in Digital Design: Ability to design and model digital circuits using SystemVerilog.
• Verification Techniques: Familiarity with verification methodologies, including assertions, testbenches, and functional coverage.
• Simulation and Debugging: Skills in simulating and debugging SystemVerilog designs.
• Knowledge of Advanced Features: Understanding of advanced SystemVerilog features such as interfaces, classes, and randomization.

Who should take the exam?

• Digital Design Engineers: Professionals involved in designing and modeling digital circuits and systems.
• Verification Engineers: Individuals responsible for verifying digital designs using SystemVerilog.
• VLSI Engineers: Engineers working on very-large-scale integration (VLSI) projects.
• Electronic Engineering Students: Students studying electronic or computer engineering with a focus on digital design and verification.
• FPGA Designers: Professionals designing and implementing systems on field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

Course Outline

The System Verilog exam covers the following topics :-

Module 1: Introduction to SystemVerilog

• Overview of SystemVerilog: History, features, and benefits.
• Comparison with Verilog: Key differences and enhancements.
• Application Areas: Digital design, verification, and modeling.

Module 2: SystemVerilog Syntax and Semantics

• Basic Syntax: Data types, operators, and expressions.
• Procedural Constructs: Initial, always, and assign statements.
• Modules and Hierarchy: Defining and instantiating modules.

Module 3: Data Types and Operators

• Built-in Data Types: Logic, bit, reg, and wire.
• User-Defined Types: Typedef, enum, struct, and union.
• Operators: Arithmetic, relational, logical, and bitwise operators.

Module 4: Design Constructs

• Combinational Logic: Always_comb, always_ff, and continuous assignments.
• Sequential Logic: Flip-flops, latches, and state machines.
• Parameterized Modules: Defining and using parameterized modules.

Module 5: SystemVerilog Assertions (SVA)

• Introduction to SVA: Purpose and benefits of assertions.
• Immediate Assertions: Using assert, assume, and cover.
• Concurrent Assertions: Temporal properties and sequences.

Module 6: Verification Techniques

• Testbenches: Writing and structuring testbenches in SystemVerilog.
• Functional Coverage: Defining and collecting coverage metrics.
• Randomization: Using SystemVerilog randomization for test stimulus generation.

Module 7: Object-Oriented Programming in SystemVerilog

• Introduction to OOP: Classes, objects, and inheritance.
• Advanced OOP Features: Polymorphism, virtual methods, and interfaces.
• Applications in Verification: Using OOP for building verification environments.

Module 8: Interfaces and Modularity

• SystemVerilog Interfaces: Defining and using interfaces.
• Modular Design: Creating reusable and modular code.
• Interface Constructs: Ports, modports, and clocking blocks.

Module 9: Advanced SystemVerilog Features

• Tasks and Functions: Writing and using tasks and functions.
• System Functions and Tasks: Built-in functions and tasks.
• Packages: Organizing and reusing code with packages.

Module 10: Simulation and Debugging

• Simulation Tools: Overview of popular SystemVerilog simulators.
• Debugging Techniques: Using waveform viewers, assertions, and coverage reports.
• Case Studies: Real-world examples of SystemVerilog design and verification.