UVM Run-Time Phases

The run-time schedule is the pre-defined phase schedule which runs concurrently to the uvm_run_phase global run phase.  By default, all uvm_components using the run-time schedule are synchronized with respect to the pre-defined phases in the schedule.  It is possible for components to belong to different domains in which case their schedules can be unsynchronized.

The names of the UVM phases (which will be returned by get_name() for a phase instance) match the class names specified below with the “uvm_” and “_phase” removed.  For example, the main phase corresponds to the uvm_main_phase class below and has the name “main”, which means that the following can be used to call foo() at the start of main phase:

function void phase_started(uvm_phase phase) ;
   if (phase.get_name()=="main") foo() ;
endfunction

The run-time phases are executed in the sequence they are specified below.

Contents
UVM Run-Time PhasesThe run-time schedule is the pre-defined phase schedule which runs concurrently to the uvm_run_phase global run phase.
uvm_pre_reset_phaseBefore reset is asserted.
uvm_reset_phaseReset is asserted.
uvm_post_reset_phaseAfter reset is de-asserted.
uvm_pre_configure_phaseBefore the DUT is configured by the SW.
uvm_configure_phaseThe SW configures the DUT.
uvm_post_configure_phaseAfter the SW has configured the DUT.
uvm_pre_main_phaseBefore the primary test stimulus starts.
uvm_main_phasePrimary test stimulus.
uvm_post_main_phaseAfter enough of the primary test stimulus.
uvm_pre_shutdown_phaseBefore things settle down.
uvm_shutdown_phaseLetting things settle down.
uvm_post_shutdown_phaseAfter things have settled down.

uvm_pre_reset_phase

Before reset is asserted.

uvm_task_phase that calls the uvm_component::pre_reset_phase method.  This phase starts at the same time as the uvm_run_phase unless a user defined phase is inserted in front of this phase.

Upon Entry

  • Indicates that power has been applied but not necessarily valid or stable.
  • There should not have been any active clock edges before entry into this phase.

Typical Uses

  • Wait for power good.
  • Components connected to virtual interfaces should initialize their output to X’s or Z’s.
  • Initialize the clock signals to a valid value
  • Assign reset signals to X (power-on reset).
  • Wait for reset signal to be asserted if not driven by the verification environment.

Exit Criteria

  • Reset signal, if driven by the verification environment, is ready to be asserted.
  • Reset signal, if not driven by the verification environment, is asserted.
Summary
uvm_pre_reset_phase
Before reset is asserted.
Class Hierarchy
uvm_void
uvm_object
uvm_phase
uvm_task_phase
uvm_pre_reset_phase
Class Declaration
class uvm_pre_reset_phase extends uvm_task_phase
Methods
getReturns the singleton phase handle

Methods

get

static function uvm_pre_reset_phase get()

Returns the singleton phase handle

uvm_reset_phase

Reset is asserted.

uvm_task_phase that calls the uvm_component::reset_phase method.

Upon Entry

  • Indicates that the hardware reset signal is ready to be asserted.

Typical Uses

  • Assert reset signals.
  • Components connected to virtual interfaces should drive their output to their specified reset or idle value.
  • Components and environments should initialize their state variables.
  • Clock generators start generating active edges.
  • De-assert the reset signal(s) just before exit.
  • Wait for the reset signal(s) to be de-asserted.

Exit Criteria

  • Reset signal has just been de-asserted.
  • Main or base clock is working and stable.
  • At least one active clock edge has occurred.
  • Output signals and state variables have been initialized.
Summary
uvm_reset_phase
Reset is asserted.
Class Hierarchy
uvm_void
uvm_object
uvm_phase
uvm_task_phase
uvm_reset_phase
Class Declaration
class uvm_reset_phase extends uvm_task_phase
Methods
getReturns the singleton phase handle

Methods

get

static function uvm_reset_phase get()

Returns the singleton phase handle

uvm_post_reset_phase

After reset is de-asserted.

uvm_task_phase that calls the uvm_component::post_reset_phase method.

Upon Entry

  • Indicates that the DUT reset signal has been de-asserted.

Typical Uses

  • Components should start behavior appropriate for reset being inactive.  For example, components may start to transmit idle transactions or interface training and rate negotiation.  This behavior typically continues beyond the end of this phase.

Exit Criteria

  • The testbench and the DUT are in a known, active state.
Summary
uvm_post_reset_phase
After reset is de-asserted.
Class Hierarchy
uvm_void
uvm_object
uvm_phase
uvm_task_phase
uvm_post_reset_phase
Class Declaration
class uvm_post_reset_phase extends uvm_task_phase
Methods
getReturns the singleton phase handle

Methods

get

static function uvm_post_reset_phase get()

Returns the singleton phase handle

uvm_pre_configure_phase

Before the DUT is configured by the SW.

uvm_task_phase that calls the uvm_component::pre_configure_phase method.

Upon Entry

  • Indicates that the DUT has been completed reset and is ready to be configured.

Typical Uses

  • Procedurally modify the DUT configuration information as described in the environment (and that will be eventually uploaded into the DUT).
  • Wait for components required for DUT configuration to complete training and rate negotiation.

Exit Criteria

  • DUT configuration information is defined.
Summary
uvm_pre_configure_phase
Before the DUT is configured by the SW.
Class Hierarchy
uvm_void
uvm_object
uvm_phase
uvm_task_phase
uvm_pre_configure_phase
Class Declaration
class uvm_pre_configure_phase extends uvm_task_phase
Methods
getReturns the singleton phase handle

Methods

get

static function uvm_pre_configure_phase get()

Returns the singleton phase handle

uvm_configure_phase

The SW configures the DUT.

uvm_task_phase that calls the uvm_component::configure_phase method.

Upon Entry

  • Indicates that the DUT is ready to be configured.

Typical Uses

  • Components required for DUT configuration execute transactions normally.
  • Set signals and program the DUT and memories (e.g. read/write operations and sequences) to match the desired configuration for the test and environment.

Exit Criteria

  • The DUT has been configured and is ready to operate normally.
Summary
uvm_configure_phase
The SW configures the DUT.
Class Hierarchy
uvm_void
uvm_object
uvm_phase
uvm_task_phase
uvm_configure_phase
Class Declaration
class uvm_configure_phase extends uvm_task_phase
Methods
getReturns the singleton phase handle

Methods

get

static function uvm_configure_phase get()

Returns the singleton phase handle

uvm_post_configure_phase

After the SW has configured the DUT.

uvm_task_phase that calls the uvm_component::post_configure_phase method.

Upon Entry

  • Indicates that the configuration information has been fully uploaded.

Typical Uses

  • Wait for configuration information to fully propagate and take effect.
  • Wait for components to complete training and rate negotiation.
  • Enable the DUT.
  • Sample DUT configuration coverage.

Exit Criteria

  • The DUT has been fully configured and enabled and is ready to start operating normally.
Summary
uvm_post_configure_phase
After the SW has configured the DUT.
Class Hierarchy
uvm_void
uvm_object
uvm_phase
uvm_task_phase
uvm_post_configure_phase
Class Declaration
class uvm_post_configure_phase extends uvm_task_phase
Methods
getReturns the singleton phase handle

Methods

get

static function uvm_post_configure_phase get()

Returns the singleton phase handle

uvm_pre_main_phase

Before the primary test stimulus starts.

uvm_task_phase that calls the uvm_component::pre_main_phase method.

Upon Entry

  • Indicates that the DUT has been fully configured.

Typical Uses

  • Wait for components to complete training and rate negotiation.

Exit Criteria

  • All components have completed training and rate negotiation.
  • All components are ready to generate and/or observe normal stimulus.
Summary
uvm_pre_main_phase
Before the primary test stimulus starts.
Class Hierarchy
uvm_void
uvm_object
uvm_phase
uvm_task_phase
uvm_pre_main_phase
Class Declaration
class uvm_pre_main_phase extends uvm_task_phase
Methods
getReturns the singleton phase handle

Methods

get

static function uvm_pre_main_phase get()

Returns the singleton phase handle

uvm_main_phase

Primary test stimulus.

uvm_task_phase that calls the uvm_component::main_phase method.

Upon Entry

  • The stimulus associated with the test objectives is ready to be applied.

Typical Uses

  • Components execute transactions normally.
  • Data stimulus sequences are started.
  • Wait for a time-out or certain amount of time, or completion of stimulus sequences.

Exit Criteria

  • Enough stimulus has been applied to meet the primary stimulus objective of the test.
Summary
uvm_main_phase
Primary test stimulus.
Class Hierarchy
uvm_void
uvm_object
uvm_phase
uvm_task_phase
uvm_main_phase
Class Declaration
class uvm_main_phase extends uvm_task_phase
Methods
getReturns the singleton phase handle

Methods

get

static function uvm_main_phase get()

Returns the singleton phase handle

uvm_post_main_phase

After enough of the primary test stimulus.

uvm_task_phase that calls the uvm_component::post_main_phase method.

Upon Entry

  • The primary stimulus objective of the test has been met.

Typical Uses

  • Included for symmetry.

Exit Criteria

  • None.
Summary
uvm_post_main_phase
After enough of the primary test stimulus.
Class Hierarchy
uvm_void
uvm_object
uvm_phase
uvm_task_phase
uvm_post_main_phase
Class Declaration
class uvm_post_main_phase extends uvm_task_phase
Methods
getReturns the singleton phase handle

Methods

get

static function uvm_post_main_phase get()

Returns the singleton phase handle

uvm_pre_shutdown_phase

Before things settle down.

uvm_task_phase that calls the uvm_component::pre_shutdown_phase method.

Upon Entry

  • None.

Typical Uses

  • Included for symmetry.

Exit Criteria

  • None.
Summary
uvm_pre_shutdown_phase
Before things settle down.
Class Hierarchy
uvm_void
uvm_object
uvm_phase
uvm_task_phase
uvm_pre_shutdown_phase
Class Declaration
class uvm_pre_shutdown_phase extends uvm_task_phase
Methods
getReturns the singleton phase handle

Methods

get

static function uvm_pre_shutdown_phase get()

Returns the singleton phase handle

uvm_shutdown_phase

Letting things settle down.

uvm_task_phase that calls the uvm_component::shutdown_phase method.

Upon Entry

  • None.

Typical Uses

  • Wait for all data to be drained out of the DUT.
  • Extract data still buffered in the DUT, usually through read/write operations or sequences.

Exit Criteria

  • All data has been drained or extracted from the DUT.
  • All interfaces are idle.
Summary
uvm_shutdown_phase
Letting things settle down.
Class Hierarchy
uvm_void
uvm_object
uvm_phase
uvm_task_phase
uvm_shutdown_phase
Class Declaration
class uvm_shutdown_phase extends uvm_task_phase
Methods
getReturns the singleton phase handle

Methods

get

static function uvm_shutdown_phase get()

Returns the singleton phase handle

uvm_post_shutdown_phase

After things have settled down.

uvm_task_phase that calls the uvm_component::post_shutdown_phase method.  The end of this phase is synchronized to the end of the uvm_run_phase phase unless a user defined phase is added after this phase.

Upon Entry

  • No more “data” stimulus is applied to the DUT.

Typical Uses

  • Perform final checks that require run-time access to the DUT (e.g. read accounting registers or dump the content of memories).

Exit Criteria

  • All run-time checks have been satisfied.
  • The uvm_run_phase phase is ready to end.
Summary
uvm_post_shutdown_phase
After things have settled down.
Class Hierarchy
uvm_void
uvm_object
uvm_phase
uvm_task_phase
uvm_post_shutdown_phase
Class Declaration
class uvm_post_shutdown_phase extends uvm_task_phase
Methods
getReturns the singleton phase handle

Methods

get

static function uvm_post_shutdown_phase get()

Returns the singleton phase handle

class uvm_run_phase extends uvm_task_phase
Stimulate the DUT.
class uvm_pre_reset_phase extends uvm_task_phase
Before reset is asserted.
class uvm_reset_phase extends uvm_task_phase
Reset is asserted.
class uvm_post_reset_phase extends uvm_task_phase
After reset is de-asserted.
class uvm_pre_configure_phase extends uvm_task_phase
Before the DUT is configured by the SW.
class uvm_configure_phase extends uvm_task_phase
The SW configures the DUT.
class uvm_post_configure_phase extends uvm_task_phase
After the SW has configured the DUT.
class uvm_pre_main_phase extends uvm_task_phase
Before the primary test stimulus starts.
class uvm_main_phase extends uvm_task_phase
Primary test stimulus.
class uvm_post_main_phase extends uvm_task_phase
After enough of the primary test stimulus.
class uvm_pre_shutdown_phase extends uvm_task_phase
Before things settle down.
class uvm_shutdown_phase extends uvm_task_phase
Letting things settle down.
class uvm_post_shutdown_phase extends uvm_task_phase
After things have settled down.
virtual class uvm_component extends uvm_report_object
The uvm_component class is the root base class for UVM components.
virtual class uvm_void
The uvm_void class is the base class for all UVM classes.
virtual class uvm_object extends uvm_void
The uvm_object class is the base class for all UVM data and hierarchical classes.
class uvm_phase extends uvm_object
This base class defines everything about a phase: behavior, state, and context.
virtual class uvm_task_phase extends uvm_phase
Base class for all task phases.
static function uvm_pre_reset_phase get()
Returns the singleton phase handle
virtual task pre_reset_phase(
    uvm_phase  phase
)
The uvm_pre_reset_phase phase implementation method.
static function uvm_reset_phase get()
Returns the singleton phase handle
virtual task reset_phase(
    uvm_phase  phase
)
The uvm_reset_phase phase implementation method.
static function uvm_post_reset_phase get()
Returns the singleton phase handle
virtual task post_reset_phase(
    uvm_phase  phase
)
The uvm_post_reset_phase phase implementation method.
static function uvm_pre_configure_phase get()
Returns the singleton phase handle
virtual task pre_configure_phase(
    uvm_phase  phase
)
The uvm_pre_configure_phase phase implementation method.
static function uvm_configure_phase get()
Returns the singleton phase handle
virtual task configure_phase(
    uvm_phase  phase
)
The uvm_configure_phase phase implementation method.
static function uvm_post_configure_phase get()
Returns the singleton phase handle
virtual task post_configure_phase(
    uvm_phase  phase
)
The uvm_post_configure_phase phase implementation method.
static function uvm_pre_main_phase get()
Returns the singleton phase handle
virtual task pre_main_phase(
    uvm_phase  phase
)
The uvm_pre_main_phase phase implementation method.
static function uvm_main_phase get()
Returns the singleton phase handle
virtual task main_phase(
    uvm_phase  phase
)
The uvm_main_phase phase implementation method.
static function uvm_post_main_phase get()
Returns the singleton phase handle
virtual task post_main_phase(
    uvm_phase  phase
)
The uvm_post_main_phase phase implementation method.
static function uvm_pre_shutdown_phase get()
Returns the singleton phase handle
virtual task pre_shutdown_phase(
    uvm_phase  phase
)
The uvm_pre_shutdown_phase phase implementation method.
static function uvm_shutdown_phase get()
Returns the singleton phase handle
virtual task shutdown_phase(
    uvm_phase  phase
)
The uvm_shutdown_phase phase implementation method.
static function uvm_post_shutdown_phase get()
Returns the singleton phase handle
virtual task post_shutdown_phase(
    uvm_phase  phase
)
The uvm_post_shutdown_phase phase implementation method.