There’s been a lot of buzz about the UVM lately and for a reason. The Universal Verification Methodology is about to change the rules of the game pretty soon, if not already. That is interesting because not too long ago verification engineers questioned the need for adopting any verification methodology… Today, however, the question is entirely different – it is WHICH methodology to adopt. So as the UVM is gradually taking form and drawing the attention of verification stakeholders I think it’s a great time to stop and remind ourselves why we need a verification methodology in the first place, and more importantly - what makes a verification methodology so good that the only question about it would be “how quickly can I learn it”?  I have identified 3 elements of a good verification methodology that work together, each on a separate track, to make it do its magic. The first element is Guidance, the second is Efficiency, and the third one – perhaps the most exciting one – is what I call The Real Added Value.

Are you looking for a job in verification? Are you pursuing a career in verification? Congratulations! There a few things you might want to consider about your prospective employer before you sign the contract. In today's important article we'll try to analyze semiconductor companies using a two dimensional framework. If you find enough information about your potential employers in advance, you'll be able to position them correctly on both axes thus helping you make a better decision regarding your future career.