User Manual Q&AAnswer
Nov 05, 2025 - 12:48 PM
To effectively simulate the SmartFusion MSS Cortex M3 processor and its peripherals using the SmartDesign MSS Simulation feature with ModelSim, it is essential to understand the following key points:
1. **Bus Functional Model (BFM):**
- The SmartFusion MSS Cortex M3 processor is modeled with Actel's AMBA Bus Functional Model (BFM), which provides details on the supported instructions and syntax of the BFM. Refer to Actel's DirectCore AMBA BFM User's Guide for comprehensive information.
2. **Peripherals and Behaviors:**
- Certain peripherals in the SmartFusion MSS have full behavioral models, while others have memory models that only output messages when memory locations inside the peripheral have been accessed. Peripherals like UART, SPI, I2C, MAC, PDMA, WatchDog, Timer, and RTC fall into the memory model category.
- Peripherals with full behavioral models include Clock Management, eNVM, External Memory Controller, ACE, GPIO, Fabric Interface Controller, eFROM, and AHB Bus Matrix.
3. **Optimizing Simulation Time:**
- To minimize simulation time, it is recommended to use peripherals that have full behavioral models.
- If you need to use peripherals with memory models, be aware that their signals will not toggle based on writes to registers or react to signal inputs on protocol pins.
4. **Simulation Flow:**
- The simulation flow involves generating test.bfm and user.bfm files, with test.bfm containing BFM commands to initialize the simulation model and user.bfm allowing customization for emulating CortexM3 transactions.
- The subsystem.bfm file contains the fabric memory map and does not require modification.
5. **Customer Support:**
- If you encounter any issues or have questions regarding the SmartDesign MSS Simulation, you can contact Microsemi SoC Products Group's Customer Technical Support Center for assistance. They provide support for hardware, software, and design-related queries.
By following these guidelines and utilizing the resources provided in the user manual, you can effectively simulate the SmartFusion MSS Cortex M3 processor and its peripherals using the SmartDesign MSS Simulation feature with ModelSim.
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