To get started with Xcelium, you'll need to create a new project and configure the simulation environment. Here's a step-by-step guide to setting up an Xcelium project:
Here are some best practices to keep in mind when using Xcelium: xcelium user manual
Use the manual’s recommendation to change -parallel -autothread and disable full array probing. Runtime drops from 10 minutes to 2 minutes. To get started with Xcelium, you'll need to
| Pitfall | What the User Manual Clarifies | | :--- | :--- | | | Use -uvm instead of manually compiling uvm.sv . The manual shows the proper compile order for UVM 1.2. | | "Simulation runs forever" | Look for the -timer switch (e.g., -timer 3600 ). Also, Chapter 7 explains -stop in $time . | | "VCD file is huge" | Section 8.4 explains -vcd scope limiting and the use of $dumpvars(0, top.module) to reduce size. | | "Multicore is slower than single core" | Chapter 12, subsection "Parallel Simulation Overhead." The manual states that for designs under 50k gates, -parallel adds more overhead than benefit. | | Pitfall | What the User Manual Clarifies
This is the most frequently dog-eared section.
However, with great power comes great complexity. The is not just a document; it is the roadmap to unlocking the tool’s full potential. Whether you are a verification engineer struggling with compile order, a manager looking to optimize regression runs, or a student entering the world of SystemVerilog, understanding how to navigate and utilize this manual is a critical skill.