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Verilog Simulation Vs Synthesis Guide

The document explains the differences between simulation and synthesis in Verilog programming. Simulation verifies the functionality of Verilog code using tools like ModelSim and Icarus Verilog, while synthesis converts the code into a gate-level netlist for hardware implementation using tools like Xilinx Vivado. It also outlines the processes for both simulation and synthesis, including writing testbenches and generating bitstreams.

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Appana Sekhar
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133 views4 pages

Verilog Simulation Vs Synthesis Guide

The document explains the differences between simulation and synthesis in Verilog programming. Simulation verifies the functionality of Verilog code using tools like ModelSim and Icarus Verilog, while synthesis converts the code into a gate-level netlist for hardware implementation using tools like Xilinx Vivado. It also outlines the processes for both simulation and synthesis, including writing testbenches and generating bitstreams.

Uploaded by

Appana Sekhar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Verilog Programming: Simulation vs Synthesis

1. What is Simulation in Verilog?

Simulation is the process of verifying the functionality of your Verilog code before implementing it in

hardware.

- Purpose: Check logic correctness, visualize waveforms, debug early design errors.

- Tools: ModelSim, Icarus Verilog, Vivado Simulator.

- Example: Simulating a 4-bit counter to verify count sequence using a testbench.

2. What is Synthesis in Verilog?

Synthesis converts Verilog code into a gate-level netlist for real hardware (FPGA or ASIC).

- Purpose: Convert RTL to gates, optimize area/power/speed, generate bitstream.

- Tools: Xilinx Vivado, Intel Quartus, Synopsys Design Compiler.

3. Real-Time Example: 4-bit Up Counter

Verilog Code:

module up_counter(input clk, input reset, output reg [3:0] count);

always @(posedge clk or posedge reset)

if (reset) count <= 0;

else count <= count + 1;

endmodule

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Verilog Programming: Simulation vs Synthesis

Testbench:

module tb_up_counter;

reg clk; reg reset; wire [3:0] count;

up_counter uut (.clk(clk), .reset(reset), .count(count));

always #5 clk = ~clk;

initial begin

$dumpfile("counter.vcd");

$dumpvars(0, tb_up_counter);

clk = 0; reset = 1; #10 reset = 0; #100 $finish;

end

endmodule

4. Simulation Flow

1. Write design and testbench code.

2. Compile with Icarus Verilog: iverilog -o sim.vvp design.v testbench.v

3. Run: vvp sim.vvp

4. View waveforms: gtkwave counter.vcd

5. Synthesis Flow in Vivado

1. Create Vivado Project.

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Verilog Programming: Simulation vs Synthesis

2. Add RTL sources and constraints (.xdc).

3. Run Synthesis and Implementation.

4. Generate Bitstream and Program FPGA.

6. Testbench Flow

- Instantiate the DUT (Design Under Test).

- Generate clock using always block.

- Stimulate inputs in initial block.

- Use $dumpfile and $dumpvars for waveform.

- Use $finish to end simulation.

7. Synthesizable vs Non-Synthesizable Constructs

Synthesizable: assign, always @(posedge clk), for (fixed), reg, wire.

Non-Synthesizable: $display, #delays, initial blocks, infinite loops.

8. Summary Flow

1. Write RTL Design

2. Write Testbench

3. Run Simulation and Debug

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Verilog Programming: Simulation vs Synthesis

4. Synthesize and Implement

5. Generate Bitstream

6. Program FPGA Device

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