In this paper, we introduce Assertion-based Verification (ABV) and the four pillars of its methodology. These are fundamental technologies and methodologies that make the ABV process successful. Each pillar targets a different phase of the overall design process; and each has its own users and objectives. The four pillars are:

• Pillar 1: Automatic Assertion Check
• Pillar 2: Static Formal Verification
• Pillar 3: Simulation with Assertions
• Pillar 4: Dynamic Formal Verification