Journal of Research in VLSI Design Tools and Technology ISSN: 3139-2016 (Online)

Authors: Prashant Chauhan

Abstract: Formal verification and model checking are crucial techniques used in the verification of Very-Large-Scale Integration (VLSI) designs. As the complexity
of VLSI systems increases, ensuring their correctness becomes vital to prevent costly design errors. Formal verification uses mathematical methods to prove correctness against a specification, while model checking verifies if a model of the system satisfies certain properties. This paper discusses several tools employed in the formal verification and model checking of VLSI designs, including Cadence JasperGold, Synopsys Formality, Microsoft Z3, Aldec Active-HDL, and Isabelle/HOL. The paper also compares these tools based on their capabilities, applications, and limitations. Challenges such as state-
space explosion, scalability, and the complexity of properties are also explored. Finally, the paper discusses future directions, including hybrid verification approaches and AI-driven techniques, which promise to enhance the efficiency and scalability of formal verification in VLSI design.

Keywords: Formal Verification Model Checking VLSI Design Verification Tools Electronic Design Automation (EDA) State Explosion Automated Verification Hardware Design System-Level Verification Artificial Intelligence in Verification.