Software should not wait for silicon. Mapping ASIC or SoC RTL onto a multi-FPGA prototype lets firmware, drivers and applications run months before tapeout, at speeds pure emulation cannot reach — and surfaces integration bugs while they are still cheap to fix.
Prototyping maps the RTL onto FPGAs and runs fast — near real speed — which is ideal for running real software, but with limited internal visibility. Emulation runs on dedicated hardware with full visibility and easier bring-up, but slower. Most programmes use both, prototyping for software and system validation, emulation for deep debug.
Because a bug found in the lab after first silicon costs a respin — months and a mask set. Running real software on an FPGA prototype months earlier finds integration and software bugs while they are still a code change, not a silicon change. It is the cheapest validation time you will buy.
Yes — large SoCs rarely fit one device, so timing-aware partitioning across several FPGAs, with the interconnect and clocking to keep the prototype fast, is a core part of the service.
Architecture to bring-up.
SERVICESThe pre-silicon half.
SERVICESAfter parts return.
SERVICESThe other direction.
KNOWLEDGEWhat prototyping catches.
SERVICESThe software that starts early.
Tell us the specification, the constraint and the deadline.