Gigabit Ethernet verification using efficient verification methodology

Verification of Gigabit Ethernet MAC (Media Access Control) by using the most advanced verification methodology i.e. UVM (Universal Verification Methodology) has been presented in this paper. The main function of MAC is to forward Ethernet frames to PHY through XGMII (10 Gigabit Media Independent Interface) and to receive the frames from PHY to MAC through the same interface. Verification of IP provides an elegant way to verify MAC Characteristics such as frame transmission, frame reception etc. Coverage driven verification is best achieved by UVM with the use of factory and configuration mechanism, coverage metrics and self-checking which reduces the time spent on verifying the design. A reusable testbench is developed by using UVM methodology which has been used to run different test scenarios on same TB environment. Regression testing of the design is carried out for achieving better coverage goal.