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Performance difference between API (PLI/VPI/DPI), TCL, Verilog functions w.r.t. object browsing/read

Sporadic Crash
Sporadic Crash over 8 years ago

Subject explains.

During simulaton runtime, there are three ways to read values of signals:

  • Option 1: accessing objects through TCL command find and reading their values with the TCL command value
  • Option 2: accessing objects through API (PLI/VPI) and reading their values with vpi_get_value or similar
  • Option 3: accesisng objects through language  by $display, $monitor etc.

Advantages in terms of speed/performance

  • Option 1: no need to compile/elaborate. Recursion possible.
  • Option 2: no need to compile/elaborate, faster because you don't TCL interpreter. Recursion possible.
  • Option 3: n/a

Disadvantages

  • Option 1: needs TCL interpreter
  • Option 2: n/a
  • Option 3: requires compilation/elaboration. Recursion is difficult.

Based on the assumptions above, accessing objects through API (PLI/VPI/DPI) is much faster.

Can anybody elaborate this?

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