IP tagging provides a mechanism to track both hard IP (intellectual property) and soft IP information throughout the entire design and development lifecycle. This tracking covers all stages, from initial editing to final GDSII generation, including synthesis, timing analysis, placement, and routing.
In essence, IP tagging allows design teams to maintain a clear and auditable record of the origin and modifications of various IP blocks integrated into a larger system-on-a-chip (SoC) design. It helps in:
- IP Tracking and Management: Identifying the source and version of each IP core used in the design.
- Change Management: Tracking modifications and revisions made to the IP throughout the development process.
- Design Flow Integration: Ensuring seamless integration of IP blocks from different sources (internal or external) within the design flow.
- Compliance and Auditing: Facilitating compliance with licensing agreements and enabling thorough auditing of the design.
- Collaboration: Enabling better collaboration among different teams involved in IP development and integration.
- Verification: Supporting comprehensive verification of the IP and its integration into the SoC.
The information tracked through IP tagging can include:
- IP Vendor: Name of the IP provider.
- IP Version: Version number of the IP block.
- License Information: Details about the IP license agreement.
- Modification History: Record of all changes made to the IP.
- Design Stages: Stages where the IP has been used or modified (e.g., synthesis, placement).
- Design Tools: Tools used to process the IP (e.g., synthesis tools, place and route tools).
Without IP tagging, managing complex SoC designs with numerous IP blocks becomes extremely challenging. It streamlines the design process, reduces the risk of errors, and ensures traceability of all IP components.
