Method and apparatus to facilitate generating simulation modules for testing system designs

A computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that when executed by a computer cause the computer to perform a method for generating a simulation module to facilitate testing a system design, the method comprising:

• receiving a system specification specifying correct behavior for modules within the system design;
• receiving a plurality of modules that are individually designed to the system specification;
• comparing the plurality of modules with the system specification to identify a nonfunctioning module, wherein the nonfunctioning module includes either a missing module or an incorrect module;
• determining from the system specification an interface specifying input and output requirements for the nonfunctioning module;
• and
• generating the simulation module, wherein the simulation module replaces the nonfunctioning module in the system design, and wherein the simulation module can function in place of the nonfunctioning module and simulate a functionality assigned to the nonfunctioning module.

An apparatus for generating a simulation module to facilitate testing a system design, comprising:

• a receiving mechanism that is configured to receive a system specification specifying correct behavior for modules within the system design;
• wherein the receiving mechanism is further configured to receive a plurality of modules that are individually designed to the system specification;
• a comparing mechanism that is configured to compare the plurality of modules with the system specification to identify a nonfunctioning module, wherein the nonfunctioning module includes either a missing module or an incorrect module;
• a determining mechanism that is configured to determine from the system specification an interface specifying input and output requirements for the nonfunctioning module;
• and
• a generating mechanism that is configured to generate the simulation module at a different level of abstraction;
• wherein the simulation module replaces the nonfunctioning module in the system design, and wherein the simulation module can function in place of the nonfunctioning module and simulate a functionality assigned to the nonfunctioning module.