Verdi Bridge — Claude Code MCP server: what it does, how to install
Connects your coding agent to a live Synopsys Verdi session to inspect simulation waveforms and trace RTL drivers.
claude mcp add --env VERDI_BRIDGE_DIR=<VERDI_BRIDGE_DIR> --env VERDI_BRIDGE_HOST=<VERDI_BRIDGE_HOST> --env VERDI_BRIDGE_CONTROL_PATH=<VERDI_BRIDGE_CONTROL_PATH> --transport stdio verdi-bridge -- uvx verdi-bridgeWhat Verdi Bridge does
The server translates model tool calls into direct inspection routines inside nWave and nTrace. An agent searches the design hierarchy, identifies value transitions, reads X/Z states, and jumps straight to driver code. Heavy queries across large FSDB dumps bypass the GUI via Verdi's NPI reader, keeping the graphical interface responsive.
It exposes eighteen typed MCP tools for measuring clocks, sampling bus data, and adjusting the simulation timeline. The setup operates locally or over an SSH tunnel. The bridge only reads simulation context. It does not compile, edit, or modify your RTL code.
A licensed Synopsys Verdi installation is strictly required. Your client machine needs Python 3.11 or newer. When connecting to a remote host, that machine requires Python 3.6+ and Verdi's built-in Tcl 8.6 environment.
What it helps with
- inspect waveform transitions while preserving X and Z states
- navigate simulation time to cycles preceding an assertion error
- trace driving RTL statements directly from live signals
- sample bus values on clock edges across large FSDB files
Example prompts for the agent
- Inspect the handshake signals and trace the code driving BVALID
- Jump 20 cycles before the simulation mismatch and check why full stayed asserted
- Sample the FIFO pointers on each clock edge across this time window
How to install Verdi Bridge
Platform CLI
claude mcp add --env VERDI_BRIDGE_DIR=<VERDI_BRIDGE_DIR> --env VERDI_BRIDGE_HOST=<VERDI_BRIDGE_HOST> --env VERDI_BRIDGE_CONTROL_PATH=<VERDI_BRIDGE_CONTROL_PATH> --transport stdio verdi-bridge -- uvx verdi-bridgeReplace <…> with your own values. uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from verdi-bridge <command>
Platform CLI
codex mcp add verdi-bridge --env VERDI_BRIDGE_DIR=<VERDI_BRIDGE_DIR> --env VERDI_BRIDGE_HOST=<VERDI_BRIDGE_HOST> --env VERDI_BRIDGE_CONTROL_PATH=<VERDI_BRIDGE_CONTROL_PATH> -- uvx verdi-bridgeReplace <…> with your own values. uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from verdi-bridge <command>
Config file
{
"mcpServers": {
"verdi-bridge": {
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"verdi-bridge"
],
"env": {
"VERDI_BRIDGE_DIR": "<VERDI_BRIDGE_DIR>",
"VERDI_BRIDGE_HOST": "<VERDI_BRIDGE_HOST>",
"VERDI_BRIDGE_CONTROL_PATH": "<VERDI_BRIDGE_CONTROL_PATH>"
}
}
}
}Replace <…> with your own values. uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from verdi-bridge <command>
Config file
{
"servers": {
"verdi-bridge": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"verdi-bridge"
],
"env": {
"VERDI_BRIDGE_DIR": "<VERDI_BRIDGE_DIR>",
"VERDI_BRIDGE_HOST": "<VERDI_BRIDGE_HOST>",
"VERDI_BRIDGE_CONTROL_PATH": "<VERDI_BRIDGE_CONTROL_PATH>"
}
}
}
}Replace <…> with your own values. uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from verdi-bridge <command>
Platform CLI
gemini mcp add -e VERDI_BRIDGE_DIR=<VERDI_BRIDGE_DIR> -e VERDI_BRIDGE_HOST=<VERDI_BRIDGE_HOST> -e VERDI_BRIDGE_CONTROL_PATH=<VERDI_BRIDGE_CONTROL_PATH> verdi-bridge uvx verdi-bridgeReplace <…> with your own values. uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from verdi-bridge <command>
Step by step, with commands for each platform: How to add an MCP server to Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, VS Code, Gemini CLI and more
Questions about Verdi Bridge
How do I install Verdi Bridge in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add verdi-bridge -- uvx verdi-bridge. For remote setups over SSH, pass the environment flags: `claude mcp add --env VERDI_BRIDGE_DIR=<VERDI_BRIDGE_DIR> --env VERDI_BRIDGE_HOST=<VERDI_BRIDGE_HOST> --env VERDI_BRIDGE_CONTROL_PATH=<VERDI_BRIDGE_CONTROL_PATH> --transport stdio verdi-bridge -- uvx verdi-bridge`.
What does Verdi Bridge do?
It lets an AI assistant observe an active Synopsys Verdi session. The agent inspects waveforms, navigates error windows, and traces drivers without manual GUI clicking.
Does Verdi Bridge modify or compile RTL source files?
No, the bridge functions purely as an observer and navigation layer. It cannot recompile code, repair syntax bugs, or write edits to disk.
