IP validation method and IP verified by the IP validation method

摘要

According to the disclosed invention, an index for evaluating an IP objectively and quantitatively is set so that users will refer to the index as the criterion for looking for an IP providing user-desired function. IP vendors prepare a higher-level index of verification range that is separated into infinite degrees than the existing indexes of verification range such as hardware source code coverage and path coverage. According to this index, what extent or degree to which IP functionality has been verified is determined. The thus determined degree of verification is expressed by a validation level that is added to IP information to be provided to users.