Self-consistency checking

Abstract

We introduce the notion of self-consistency checking, a new methodology for applying formal methods in the debugging process. Intuitively, self-consistency checks functional consistency of a circuit in two different modes or environments. Self-consistency can (1) simplify property verification and (2) enable the use of symbolic simulation in the absence of a concrete specification. We present a correctness model for property verification with self-consistency checking and the formal framework for the technique. Finally, we provide illustrative examples and partial verification results using self-consistency checking on circuits with many thousands of latches.