Specify a VHDL file as vector waveform generator

[Binary]

Hi,

Can I specify a VHDL file as vector waveform generator in Quartus II
instead draw a .vwf file, and how?

And how to use a test bench entity to test my entity architecture?

Thanks in advance.

Binary Chen

 

[Mike Treseler]

Can I specify a VHDL file as vector waveform generator in Quartus II
instead draw a .vwf file, and how?

That would require a vhdl simulator.
Quartus does not have one.

And how to use a test bench entity to test my entity architecture?

Step one is to install a vhdl simulator
and run some tutorial examples.
A testbench is a vhdl text file.
It includes a null entity and
architecture processes
to wiggle and watch the design instance.
There is a testbench example here:
http://home.comcast.net/~mike_treseler/


-- Mike Treseler

 

[hdlcohen]

Several comments:
1. You will find several verification answers and a good place to post
interesting verification questions at
http://verificationguild.com/ under MAIN
2. In my books I have encouraged the use of transaction-based
verification, which can be done in VHDL. I dislike the use of
waveform stimulus files as a means to define directed tests. But ...
3. The languages and technology has matured since the days of VHDL'93,
and I now definitely prefer SystemVerilog with assertions as a means to
verify designs. SystemVerilog provides the facilities to build a
testbench that is transaction-based with constraints and can be
coverage-driven. You can also top that with VMM (Verification
Methodology Manual for SystemVerilog) to facilitate the design of the
testbench environment. In any case, SystemVerilog can be used in
mixed-mode with VHDL, along with assertions written in SVA (
SystemVerilog assertions) or PSL,
If I have a choice today to pick a language for verification, I would
definitely pick SystemVerilog over VDHL. Of course, the tradeoff here
is the cost of learning SV and tool cost if you do not have access to a
SV simulator.
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Ben Cohen Trainer, Consultant, Publisher (310) 721-4830
http://www.abv-sva.org/ (e-mail address removed)
* Co-Author: SystemVerilog Assertions Handbook, 2005 ISBN 0-9705394-7-9
* Co-Author: Using PSL/SUGAR for Formal and Dynamic Verification 2nd
Edition, 2004, ISBN 0-9705394-6-0
* Real Chip Design and Verification Using Verilog and VHDL, 2002 isbn
0-9705394-2-8
* Component Design by Example ", 2001 isbn 0-9705394-0-1
* VHDL Coding Styles and Methodologies, 2nd Edition, 1999 isbn
0-7923-8474-1
* VHDL Answers to Frequently Asked Questions, 2nd Edition, isbn
0-7923-8115
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