Functional coverage techniques during design verification using
cross-product coverage models and hole analysis are enhanced by the use
of coverage queries. After running a test suite, a core set of
non-covered events is specified. A coverage query is then automatically
constructed and executed on the test results to identify a hole in the
functional coverage that satisfies conditions of the coverage query and
includes the core set. The results of the query are presented as a
simplified view of the coverage of the events in the cross-product space.
Use of coverage queries allows a verification team to focus on specific
areas of interest in the coverage space and to deal practically with
highly complex coverage models. It also avoids the burden of producing
and evaluating complete hole analysis reports.