VHDL: a powerful digital design and simulation tool

Abstract

There have been several digital systems simulation software and hardware definition language (HDL) packages in use. However, most of them do not follow set standards and some of them are incremental. There has been growing interest in the VHDL (very high speed integrated circuit HDL) design platform with capabilities to design and simulate the sub-modules, then integrate them and study the response of the system as a whole. In addition VHDL has been following the standards set by the IEEE and leading industries. At Florida International University, the authors have found extensive use of the VHDL in the instructional and research disciplines in designing, simulating, and studying the responses for improved design of very complex digital systems. The authors have devised a methodology to make the VHDL, a real design and guiding tool for almost any type of digital system. They describe the educational and industrial use of VHDL specific case studies. A sequential approach to solving the design problems is presented.