UVM RAL Interview Questions

Questions on UVM Register Abstraction Layer.

Beginner Level

What is the advantage of using RAL?

Abstraction. Tests can write `reg_model.CTRL.write(1)` instead of calculating address `0x400`.

Intermediate Level

Frontdoor vs Backdoor Access?

Frontdoor: Uses Bus Driver -> Takes simulation time -> Verifies path.

Backdoor: Uses VPI string path -> Zero time -> Bypasses logic.

Advanced Level

What is Auto-Prediction vs Passive-Prediction?

Auto: The `write()` method updates the mirror immediately, assuming success. Good for simple tests.

Passive: A predictor sits on the Monitor. It only updates the mirror when it sees the ACTUAL transaction on the bus. Required for systems where writes might be dropped or modified.