NPI, DFM/DFA & Engineering Change worked example

Design Verification Cost at 98% share of tests in dv scope: a worked example

This scenario runs the design verification cost calculation on the strong side: 98% share of tests in dv scope, with every other input held at its documented default. a verification lead needs to budget a DVP&R test campaign for a new design or engineering change.

The inputs for this scenario

  • Verification tests executed: 24 tests (unchanged)
  • Cost per verification test: 650 $ / test (unchanged)
  • Share of tests in DV scope: 98 % (raised for this scenario; the documented default is 85)
  • Test setup and fixturing cost: 5,000 $ (unchanged)

Working through the calculation

  • Applying the documented formula (Total design verification cost = verification tests × cost per test × in-scope share + test setup and fixturing) to the inputs above produces each figure below.
  • At this operating point the engine returns 20,288 $ for total design verification cost, the number this scenario is built around.
  • At this operating point the engine returns 845 $ / piece for design verification cost per unit.
  • At this operating point the engine returns 15,288 $ for variable design verification cost.
  • At this operating point the engine returns 5,000 $ for fixed design verification cost adder.

How this compares with the baseline

  • Against the tool's baseline example, where share of tests in dv scope sits at 85% and the headline result is 18,260 $, this scenario comes in 11.11% above the baseline at 20,288 $.
  • Use it when budgeting a DV test plan at an NPI design-verification gate or comparing in-house versus outsourced test campaigns. Treat this as a target state: the delta against the baseline quantifies what the improvement is worth before you commit to chasing it.

Results at a glance

  • Total design verification cost: 20,288 $ (headline result)
  • Design verification cost per unit: 845 $ / piece
  • Variable design verification cost: 15,288 $
  • Fixed design verification cost adder: 5,000 $

Run it with your numbers

  • Every input above is editable in the live Design Verification Cost calculator, which recalculates instantly and can be shared with the inputs intact.

Last reviewed 2026-05-12.