Develop your IoT product �with Renode™

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Renode in short

• Open-source, software-agnostic hardware simulator
• Provides plug-and-play building blocks to create �custom virtual hardware setups
• Full determinism of execution, shared virtual time
• Extensive debugging, tracing, analysis features
• Made for automated tests and CI integration, inter-team company-wide collaboration

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What you can do with Renode

Continuous Integration, testing

TinyML development

Architectural exploration, pre-silicon development

IoT development, operating systems porting

Network protocols implementation and validation

Security analysis

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Renode’s strengths

• Full determinism of execution, shared virtual time
• Transparent & robust debugging, tracing, analysis, �even in complex setups
• Easy integration with your everyday tools, plugins
• Rich model abstractions with additional functionality �‘for free’ + modular platform description format
• Automated tests and CI integrations, other �collaboration features

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Plug-and-play building blocks

• Create custom hardware setups with reusable blocks
• Freely combine CPUs, SoC inputs/outputs and peripherals
• Create complex, multi-node, heterogeneous systems
• Explore architecture variations just by changing configuration

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Peripherals & sensors

Our focus is not just on cores, but also SoC peripherals

• UART, SPI, I2C, RAM, ROM, GPIO, CAN, �ETH, I2S, PCIE...

As well as sensors:

• Thermometers, humidity meters, accelerometers, microphones, cameras etc.

This allows things like simulating multi-node robotics systems, end-to-end machine learning processing in simulation with real and synthetic data - with the same binaries as you would run �on hardware.

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Simulate complex systems, including multi-node

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Notable Renode users

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Supported architectures

• Renode supports a broad range of the most �popular architectures
• Simulation of both low-power MCUs and multicore, �64-bit application platforms
• Configurable instruction sets, custom instructions support
• Support for full hardware platforms, with a broad portfolio �of available boards

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Software agnostic - run whatever you want

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Supported IDE

• Renode modular design allows you to easily �integrate with various development environments
• Integrate via GDB or a custom solution
• Support various debugging features
• Have Renode integrated with your current �workflow by Antmicro

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Debugging and tracing

01 / 07

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Debugging with GDB

• Renode allows you to debug applications �running on emulated machines using GDB
• Uses the GDB remote protocol
• Breakpoints, watchpoints, stepping, �memory access etc
• Virtual time does not progress when �the emulated CPU is halted
• Read more on multicore debugging in Renode

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Execution and event tracing

• Renode gives you full inspection in the behavior of your software
• Easily log executed functions or peripheral accesses
• Filter the interesting data or see the full log
• Robust event tracing mechanisms:
• Peripheral accesses / watchpoints
• Network packets
• UART output
• Executed code blocks
• Interrupts
• Synchronization points
• Implement event handlers in runtime, in C# or Python

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Online disassembly

• Renode uses LLVM backend for disassembly
• Analyze code in runtime
• Precisely trace failing code without manual debugging
• Support for all available architectures, including different RISC-V instruction sets

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IN: log_core_init (address: 0x80002e30)

0x80002e30: 800037b7 lui a5, 524291

0x80002e34: 000a1537 lui a0, 161

0x80002e38: d9078793 addi a5, a5, -624

0x80002e3c: 80040737 lui a4, 524352

0x80002e40: 22050513 addi a0, a0, 544

0x80002e44: 0af72423 sw a5, 168(a4)

0x80002e48: 5c0010ef jal 5568

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Logging

• Extensive and customisable logging capabilities
• Precise filtering depending on the log source �and target: console or log file
• Built-in graphical log analyser
• Various sources of data
• Executed software
• Peripherals analysis
• Framework events
• User-defined events

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Scriptability

02 / 07

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Internal scripting language

• Renode allows you to interact with every detail �of the emulation via its CLI - the Monitor
• Monitor commands can be run as scripts
• Create the emulation, load software
• Access all peripherals and settings
• Control the emulation and tracing options
• Add your own commands on the fly

using sysbus

mach create $name

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machine LoadPlatformDescription

@platform.repl

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emulation CreateSwitch "switch"

connector Connect ethmac switch

emulation CreateNetworkServer "server"

"192.168.100.100"

connector Connect server switch

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server StartTFTP 6069

server.tftp ServeFile $micropython

"boot.bin"

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showAnalyzer uart

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macro reset

"""

sysbus LoadBinary $bios 0x0

cpu PC 0x0

"""

runMacro $reset

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Python support

• Renode enables use of IronPython
• Complex event hooks with flow control
• Access to emulation detail
• Hook on:
• Blocks of code
• PC value, watchpoints
• Interrupts
• Memory/peripheral access
• Network packets
• Serial data
• Whatever you want

(machine) include @notification_helper.py

(machine) set py_notification_hook

> """

> # recipient and get_recipients defined in external file

> for recipient not get_recipients():

> recipient.send_notification(self.line)

> """

(machine) uart AddLineHook "interesting value" $py_notification_hook

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(machine) cpu AddHookAtInterruptBegin

"self.DebugLog('exception %d' % exceptionIndex)"

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Text-based platform descriptions

• Renode assembles platforms from building blocks
• .repl format - Renode platform description file
• Changing details of the platform is as easy �as editing a text file
• Great for prototyping
• Enables easy support for lines of similar products
• Can be easily auto-generated - ideal for �soft SoC support

nvic: IRQControllers.NVIC @ sysbus 0xE000E000

-> cpu@0

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cpu: CPU.CortexM @ sysbus

cpuType: "cortex-m4"

nvic: nvic

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spi2: SPI.NRF52840_SPI @ sysbus 0x40023000

-> nvic@0x23

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gpio0: GPIOPort.NRF52840_GPIO @ sysbus 0x50000000

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gpiote: GPIOPort.NRF52840_GPIOTasksEvents @ sysbus 0x40006000

port0: gpio0

-> nvic@6

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uart0: UART.NRF52840_UART @ sysbus 0x40002000

easyDMA: true

-> nvic@2

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Easy prototyping with model stubs

• Renode embraces needs-based, �iterative platform development
• Model parts that you really need
• Log or mock everything else
• Implement Python peripherals �as one liners or in separate files

rcc: Python.PythonPeripheral @ sysbus 0x40023800

size: 0x400

initable: true

script: “0xFFFFFFFF if request.offset != 0x8 else 0xFFFFFFFA”

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pwrCr1: Python.PythonPeripheral @ sysbus 0x40007000

size: 0x4

initable: true

filename: "scripts/pydev/flipflop.py"

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HW descriptions with SVD support

• Can tag known bus addresses with default read values
• For platforms supporting those (mainly Cortex-M). can load SVD files and read those automatically

sysbus:

init:

Tag <0x400E0940 0x4> "CIDR" 0xa1020e00

ApplySVD @ATSAME70Q21.svd

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CI and testing

03 / 07

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Renode-based Continuous Integration workflow for IoT systems

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CI integrations

• GitHub Actions
• ResultsStore support
• BuildBuddy
• Twister in Zephyr
• Can be used with Gitlab CI, Travis, Jenkins, etc
• Integration via:
• Robot Framework
• Python API
• Renode’s headless mode
• ...

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Robot Framework

• Robot interface for writing tests either in Python or “natural” language
• Renode provides keywords enabling various testing scenarios
• Whole Renode CLI is also exposed
• Readable reports and artifacts after each run

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Should Print To Uart

Setup Machine

Start Emulation

Wait For Line On Uart The LEDs show the ASCII code of the last character.

Provides initialization

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Should Echo On Uart

Requires initialization

Write Line To Uart Testing testing 1-2-3

Provides working-uart

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Execution metrics

• Gather metrics in a CI run
• Do post-mortem analysis, comparing with previous results
• Detect performance anomalies early during development
• Currently supported:
• Executed instructions,
• Memory access
• Peripheral access
• Exceptions

Renode emulation

Machine

Matplotlib backend

PNG files

Dump

File

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Events recording

• Record external events
• Key presses
• Network packets
• GPIO changes
• …
• Replay them to get the same, deterministic execution �with user input
• Isolate a failing node by not simulating the whole network
• Share recording with your team to trace down bugs

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State saving

• Renode allows you to save the state of the whole emulation
• Creates one file that is enough to load the setup
• Share it with your team to solve problems together
• Create artifacts from CI to analyze failed test cases

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Determinism of execution

• Simulation in Renode behaves the same way �regardless of the host machine performance
• All events are happening in virtual time
• Allows you to get same results on a CI and locally
• Key feature to create reliable tests
• Reproducibility even with inter-machine communication
• Limited when interfacing with external world
• Can obtain full reproducibility with events recording

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HW/SW co-development

04 / 07

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Co-simulation with HDL simulator

• Provides an integration layer for Verilator
• Enables HW/SW co-simulation with Verilator
• No need to create models of the IP you can “verilate”
• Supports AXI4Lite and Wishbone, full AXI4 under way
• Support for interrupts and external interfaces, �like UART Rx/Tx lines

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Co-simulation with HDL simulator

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Co-simulation with Hardware via Etherbone bridge

• Another alternative that can be used in FPGA co-development is emulating IP on real FPGA HW
• Majority of simulation (e.g. RISC-V SoC) �is in Renode, only the part under development �is in the FPGA
• Renode supports EtherBone protocol, �to interact with Wishbone-connected soft IP
• Connection with the FPGA over a socket - possibly �in a remote location

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Co-simulation with Hardware via Etherbone bridge

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Networking and multi-node

connectivity

05 / 07

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Networking

• Renode allows you to simulate multiple nodes at once
• Nodes can be connected via various means:
• Ethernet
• Wireless connection
• UART
• CAN
• GPIO
• USB
• ...

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Wired networking

• Allows to connect nodes in a switchable network
• Protocol-independent
• Support for built-in servers
• Modular, extendible framework
• Support for TFTP, more to come
• Host network integration via TAP interface
• Allows you to connect your usual network tools �to the simulated environment
• Support for Time-Sensitive Networking
• Helped develop TSN support in Zephyr RTOS

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Wireless

• Abstract, packet based communication - works with �all types of wireless networks
• Protocol-independent
• Support for node positioning
• Ability to select delivery function
• Always deliver
• Maximum range
• Stochastic delivery
• User-defined logic

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Network bridging

• Allows defining physically separated networks for multi-band scenarios
• Independent delivery functions for all networks
• Showcased by support for TI dual radio Zolertia Firefly

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Wireshark support

• You can inspect network traffic in Wireshark, �both wired and wireless
• Support for Linux, Windows and macOS
• Flexible configuration
• Hardware-less CI-driven workflows for IoT
• Observe all traffic
• Watch specific interfaces
• No need to connect to the host network

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Host/guest integration

• Renode allows you to use your everyday tools �like you would use them with real hardware
• Multiple integration options:
• Ethernet via TAP interface
• UART via PTY device
• UART via sockets
• USB via USB/IP protocol

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Selected case studies

06 / 07

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TensorFlow Lite Micro

• Collaboration since 2018
• Many collaborative projects, including a rework of TensorFlow Lite micro’s CI using Renode:
• Hardware-less CI-driven workflows for IoT
• Testing full flow including sensors fed with real data
• Tests based on the binaries used on hardware
• Implemented Arduino CLI/IDE support for upcoming education courses by Google and Harvard
• Many jointly developed samples in example repo, with Google Colab in-browser versions
• Read more article on TF Lite blog demoing usage of TensorFlow Lite in Renode and physical board

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QuickLogic

• Renode support for EOS S3 - first FPGA-enabled SoC supported in open source FPGA tooling (also developed by Antmicro)
• Comprehensive project by Antmicro also including Zephyr RTOS, FPGA IP and hardware
• Showcased Renode’s co-simulation capability

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Next step: RISC-V + open source FPGA

• Next gen platform with RISC-V and larger FPGA
• Also supported in open source FPGA tools �developed by Antmicro
• Part of Open Hardware Group’s Core-V project, collaboration with e.g. NXP and Silicon Labs
• Will enable high-perf, low-power TinyML
• Renode support co-sponsored by Google and QuickLogic
• Read more

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Microchip PFSoC

• Renode support for Microchip’s PolarFire FPGA SoC �and Mi-V RISC-V-based soft CPUs
• Support for Icicle Kit - first development platform �for PolarFire SoC
• Delivered to Microchip’s customers before �silicon availability
• Renode integrated with the SoftConsole software development environment
• Result: a test-driven software development methodology for all Mi-V and PFSoC users

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Precursor

• FPGA-based development platform for security �critical applications - authenticators, crypto wallets �and secure messaging
• Renode was used to simulate technology stack �including Xous (Rust-based OS)
• The project continues to use Renode for emulating additional hardware
• Read more

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Dover Microsystems

• Dover is developing CoreGuard™ cybersecurity silicon IP, recently endorsed by NXP
• Renode leveraged both for Dover’s internal development as well as a demonstration and evaluation platform for their customers
• Renode extended by Antmicro for Dover with more fine-grained control over execution and debugging
• Perfect example of how Renode can be used �in hardware/software co-design for security
• Read more

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Zephyr Project

• Antmicro is a member of the Zephyr Project
• Common goals with Renode: building scalable, �secure and well-architected IoT systems
• Joint marketing, development and demos
• Renode is a one of the recommended Zephyr development tools and part of Zephyr’s CI system
• Allows users to simulate complex wireless �(and wired) setups running real binaries for testing, �CI and debugging

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VEDLIOT

• Very Efficient Deep Learning in IoT - EC-funded edge ML oriented project, coordinated by Bielefeld University, �12 international members
• Scalable, deep-learning capable ML pipelines, between CPU/GPU/FPGA
• Renode used as a simulation platform, enabling development and CI testing of VEDLIoT's security features and its robustness
• Read more in our introductory blog note

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Renode in education

• Great platform for experimentation, research and education purposes
• Tracing and debugging features allow students �to analyze and get a good understanding of the development process
• Renode to be used in Harvard University’s edX course with over 16000 participants
• PUT course in collaboration with ST - make TinyML boards available to students virtually during pandemic despite lab closures
• Many other universities adopting Renode for embedded hardware and software education

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Get Started

07 / 07

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Packages for all major OS’s

Download the latest release from GitHub

• Multiple Linux distros �(.deb, .rpm, .pkg.tar.xz, .dmg)
• Windows
• macOS

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Renode Portable for Linux

• Standalone version of Renode, all dependencies included
• Download latest release as one file
• Read more

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Other methods

• Docker image�docker pull antmicro/renode
• Conda package�conda install -c antmicro renode
• Building from source

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Renode in Google Colab

• Colab is a (mostly) Python workspace in the cloud based �on Jupyter notebooks
• Allows you to run arbitrary scripts and share the results online
• Fantastic tool for presentation purposes
• Very popular among students and academics
• Together with Google we implemented colabs which can process video and audio recorded from your computer
• See TF Lite Micro colab examples

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Renode in Google Colab

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Use our Renode development services

Setting up CI and improving development workflows �in your organization

Building customized tools, user interfaces �and integrations

Professional support, implementing �new platforms

Embedded systems development services powered by the �RENODE methodology

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Reach out to us:

contact@renode.io

Interested?

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