The Waveform and Vector Exchange Specification (WAVES)

The authors describe the Waveform and Vector Exchange Specification (WAVES), a proposed standard for the exchange of simulation and test vector information. They address the history of the WAVES effort, its requirements and objectives, the general architecture of WAVES data sets, and the WAVES design rationale. WAVES data sets describe waveforms (event streams) by defining the time histories of collections of logic signals. The waveform description style provided by WAVES supports an information model which captures all the information in the simulator stimulus languages and tester test vector languages, including multilevel value systems, tester formats, repeat and branch capabilities, and hierarchical test organization. An example shows how WAVES supports translation from ATE (automatic test equipment) test vectors to WAVES.<<ETX>>