[Open-graphics] Hardware simulations...

[Patrick McNamara]

We have a chicken and egg problem.  Those writing the software need 
hardware to develop against, and those developing the hardware are going 
to need software ready with the first spin of silicon (or in our case, 
the first FPGA model).  So here is the question.  Is it worth our effort 
to build a complete software simulation of the card?  I'm thinking about 
something like adding a simulation of our card to BOCHs.  A lot of work 
has already be done on simulating some of the 3d pipeline.  Should we 
continue that and expand it to the whole card?  I've been pondering it 
and see some definite benefits.

*Provides a double check of our specs.  If you can't write a software 
model from the specs, chances are pretty good you can do hardware from 
them either.
*Allows the driver folks to get a jump start.  It won't be much good to 
have a working ASIC and no drivers.
*Opens up the development effort to folks who can't/won't afford the 
cost of the development board.
*Allows the BIOS folks to get a head start.  It would be really cool to 
be able to at least get text mode output at delivery from the board 
house on the first spin of the development boards.
*Contributes to the BOCHS effort.  Provides BOCHS with a real and 
complete implementation of a real piece of video hardware, including 3d.
*There are others, I'm sure...

There is always a flip side.  TANSTAAFL.  The biggest drawback is 
probably the effort involved.  It may draw resources away from more 
useful tasks.  Another being maintenance.  We would have to keep the 
software simulator in sync with the various revs of the RTL.  And, there 
are others I'm sure.

So, I'll open the floor to debate and step back to watch now... :)
Patrick M
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