Virtual Prototypes for Embedded Software Testing: A SystemC Based Proof of Concept Implementation for Nordic Semiconductor

The use of virtual prototypes in the semiconductor industry has proven to be a successful approach to deliver products earlier and with superior quality. This thesis focuses on implementing a system that can serve as a proof of concept to evaluate the use of virtual prototypes for embedded software testing in Nordic Semiconductor. To achieve this goal, one software test was selected, and all the hardware interactions present in this test were extracted and modelled in the form of a virtual prototype using SystemC. Once the system model was able to run that test, it was scaled to execute two more tests. Results show that the virtual prototype was able to replicate passing and failing tests, provide configurable levels of hardware observability that were not available before, and execute tests close to 150 times faster. These results could translate into shorter times for product delivery, new resources for architectural improvements, and enhancements in the test design productivity