Automatic verification of the SCI cache coherence protocol

Abstract

This paper describes an ongoing effort to verify the cache coherence protocol of the IEEE/ANSI Standard for Scalable Coherent Interface using the Murφ verification system. A model of the typical set protocol was constructed in the Murφ description language. This model was augmented with a specification of properties necessary for cache coherence. The Murφ verification system automatically checks if all reachable states in the model satisfy the given specification. Although verification is still under way, we have already found several errors in the C-code defining the protocol. Finally, we elucidate the experiences gained in the verification project.