RocketBlog - a discussion about all things related to FPGA verification and debug

In this corner…the Prince of Programmability, the Fearless Defender of FPGAs…

One of the great champions of FPGAs and programmability in general, Clive "Max" Maxfield, is set to defend his views on the advantages of these magical devices at the upcoming Embedded System Conference Silicon Valley. Max, no engineering lightweight, will take on Jim Turley in a ‘no holds barred' debate - some would call it a smack down (as Max himself has) - on which approach to processor-based design is the best. Max will naturally take the side of the FPGA loyalists, and wax poetically about how embedding a processor within a programmable device is a logical way to do things (we have seen this trend take off, with around 40% of high end FPGA designers currently doing just that). He'll fend off Jim's counter attacks on the rationale for why sticking with off the shelf, standalone methods is the best way to go for microprocessors and microcontrollers.

Of course, you know which corner GateRocket will be in. But a word of warning to Max and all your FPGA fans - ! That's why more and more system designers who use complex FPGAs as either prototyping platforms or in production applications are looking to GateRocket to help them with their debug and verification challenges. These can be especially tricky as you bring in more IP and embedded functionality. With our Device Native approach to debug and verification, you can quickly and easily find errors and correct them within the context of the device you are targeting.

If you are going to be at ESC this year, make sure you get yourself a ringside seat at this heavyweight match-up. The opening bell rings Tuesday April 27 at 4:30 in ESC Theatre 1.