how to disable printing in uvm untility macros single field

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26-08-2025

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How to Disable Printing in UVM Utility Macros for a Single Field

Disabling printing for a single field within UVM utility macros requires a nuanced approach, as there's no single, universal "disable printing" flag. The strategy depends on which utility macro you're using and how the printing is implemented. Let's explore common scenarios and solutions.

Understanding UVM Printing Mechanisms

UVM's uvm_info, uvm_warning, uvm_error, and other reporting macros rely heavily on the verbosity level set within the simulation environment. These macros don't directly target specific fields; they output information based on the object and its associated reporting settings.

Methods to Control Printing:

1. Modifying the Verbosity Level: The most straightforward method involves adjusting the verbosity level of the UVM component or the entire simulation. This affects all messages generated by that component, not just a single field.

   // In your testbench environment
   my_component.set_verbosity_level(UVM_MEDIUM); // Or UVM_LOW, UVM_NONE
   

   This approach might be sufficient if you only need to suppress printing for a specific component or a group of related fields. It's generally less precise than field-specific methods.

2. Conditional Printing within the Macro: If you have direct control over the utility macro's implementation (e.g., you've written a custom macro or are extending an existing one), you can add a conditional check before printing a particular field's value.

   class my_transaction extends uvm_transaction;
     rand bit [7:0] field_a;
     rand bit [15:0] field_b;
   
     function void print (uvm_printer printer);
       printer.write(field_a);
       //Suppress printing of field_b
       if ($test$plusargs("suppress_field_b")) begin
         //Do nothing; field_b is suppressed
       end else begin
          printer.write(field_b);
       end
     endfunction
   endclass
   

   This approach lets you selectively control printing using a command-line argument (+suppress_field_b).

3. Creating a Custom Printing Function: For more complex scenarios or if you want fine-grained control, create a custom printing function that selectively omits certain fields. This function can then be called from within your utility macros or wherever printing is handled.

   function void my_custom_print(uvm_transaction trans);
     trans.print(field_a); // Print field_a
     // Skip printing field_b
   endfunction
   

   This method is particularly suitable for scenarios with numerous fields or when you need a more elaborate logic for controlling output.

4. Using uvm_report_info with a Filter: The uvm_report_info function provides greater control over message reporting. You can use it to create a custom message, selectively including or excluding fields, based on specific conditions. This method often requires modifying the underlying transaction or data structures.

   uvm_report_info("MY_ID", UVM_MEDIUM, "Field A: %h", field_a); //Only print field_a
   

Choosing the Right Approach:

The optimal solution depends on your specific requirements:

• Global Verbosity Control: Suitable for suppressing all messages from a component. Simple to implement but lacks precision.
• Conditional Printing: Best for selective suppression within a macro. Requires access to the macro code.
• Custom Printing Function: Ideal for complex scenarios and fine-grained control over output. More effort to implement.
• uvm_report_info Filtering: Provides advanced control over message details, but demands more structural changes.

Remember to thoroughly test your changes to ensure you are not accidentally hiding critical information that could impact your verification process. Clearly document any modifications to your UVM environment.