Optimisation of a novel software tool for automation of the design & verification process of semiconductor development

Project Information

OverSemi

Grant agreement ID: 190102529

DOI

10.3030/190102529

Project closed

EC signature date 21 September 2023

Start date 1 January 2024

End date 31 December 2025

Funded under

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Total cost

€ 3 574 621,25

EU contribution

€ 2 499 999,00

Coordinated by

LUBIS EDA GMBH
Germany

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - OverSemi (Optimisation of a novel software tool for automation of the design & verification process of semiconductor development)

Reporting period: 2025-01-01 to 2025-12-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

Lubifier is an innovative initiative developed by LUBIS EDA to address critical challenges in the semiconductor industry, specifically in formal verification for digital designs. As integrated circuits (ICs) and systems on chips (SoCs) continue to grow in complexity, traditional verification methods, which largely rely on simulation-based approaches, often fail to identify subtle bugs. These undetected issues can lead to costly redesigns and delays, making efficient and accurate verification essential. The objective of LUBIS EDA is to provide a solution that simplifies and automates formal verification with AI-assistance, allowing design teams to overcome these challenges effectively.
By offering a user-friendly, plug-and-play platform, LUBIS EDA eliminates the need for specialized infrastructure or extensive training. The system enables teams of all sizes and expertise levels to upload their design intellectual property (IP), select the relevant verification options, and receive detailed reports highlighting potential issues. This automated approach makes it easier for companies—whether small startups or large enterprises—to integrate formal verification into their design flow, saving both time and money.
The project's expected impact is significant: it addresses a critical need in the semiconductor industry by reducing the financial and technical overhead associated with traditional verification methods. Lubifier facilitates faster, more reliable design iterations, reducing the risk of costly revisions and improving the likelihood of achieving "first-silicon success." This AI-driven solution is poised to revolutionize the way semiconductor companies approach design verification, offering a more accurate, scalable, and cost-effective alternative to conventional methods. Ultimately, LUBIS EDA empowers companies to enhance the quality and reliability of their IC designs, accelerating their path to market and ensuring more dependable products in the ever-evolving semiconductor landscape.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

Over the first half of the project, significant technical progress has been made towards enhancing the Lubifier software to meet the needs of semiconductor engineers.
The team has focused on optimizing the user interface (UI) to ensure accessibility and ease of use for new users, even those without prior experience. Key technical milestones include the successful redesign of the UI, which now features an intuitive layout, streamlined workflows, and improved performance across platforms. These advancements have been validated through rigorous internal testing, including usability studies with naive users and comparative benchmarking with control groups.
The integration of LLM (Large-Language-Models) enables the software to adapt to user preferences and streamline task completion dynamically. The integration of multi-language interfaces now supports the parsing, processing, and translating between multiple industry-standard languages, including SystemC to SystemVerilog Assertions (SVA).
Performance improvements have also been realized, with faster response times and easier handling of large datasets. Internal testing has demonstrated the software’s ability to reduce project closure times significantly, validating its potential to enhance engineering workflows. Bug resolution and iterative development have further strengthened the tool’s stability and usability, positioning the Lubifier for successful deployment in its next phases.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The Lubifier platform has delivered impressive results by significantly reducing verification time and costs for semiconductor design teams through its AI-driven, automated approach. By detecting simulation-resistant bugs early, it facilitates "first-silicon success," a crucial factor for enhancing IC quality. This is particularly beneficial for smaller teams, offering an accessible, plug-and-play solution that eliminates the need for extensive infrastructure. To expand its impact and ensure long-term success, several key needs must be addressed:
- Ongoing research and development (R&D) are vital to further enhance Lubifier’s capabilities, particularly in specialized verification for emerging fields like AI, automotive, and IoT. This will ensure the platform stays ahead of evolving technological requirements and continues to meet the unique challenges these industries face.
- Large-scale demonstration projects are also necessary to build credibility and showcase the platform’s effectiveness to potential customers, thereby enhancing market access.
- Access to finance is another critical factor, as it will support the commercialization and scaling of the platform, enabling broader adoption.
- In parallel, strong intellectual property (IPR) protection is essential as the platform’s proprietary solutions expand globally, offering a competitive advantage. These steps will help LUBIS establish itself as a leading tool in semiconductor verification.
- Moreover, aligning with evolving regulatory standards, particularly in high-stakes industries such as automotive and healthcare, is crucial. Ensuring compliance with these standards will facilitate the platform’s international expansion and support its global relevance.
Addressing these strategic needs—continued R&D, large-scale demonstrations, access to markets and finance, IPR protection, internationalization, and a supportive regulatory framework—will amplify Lubifier’s impact.
By doing so, the platform can drive further adoption and success, positioning itself as a transformative solution in the semiconductor verification landscape, looking at market leadership in the Formal Verification field worldwide. These efforts will not only push the state of the art forward but also expand its application in key industries, ensuring its role as a pivotal tool for verification.

Frontend view on the Formal Verification results