An assertion is used to validate the behavior of the design. If the property that is being checked for in a simulation does not behave as per specification, then the assertion fails. Similarly if a property or rule is forbidden from happening in the design and occurs during simulation, then also the assertion fails.
Following are some of the advantages of using Assertions in Verification:
- Assertions improve error detection in terms of catching simulation errors as soon a design specification is violated
- Assertions provide better observability into the design and hence help in easier debug of test failures.
- Assertions can be used for both dynamic simulations as well as in formal verification of design
- Assertions can also be used to provide functional coverage on input stimulus and to validate that a design property is in fact simulated
