Project 3 – 4-bit ALU using Verilog (for VLSI
companies)
Skills: Verilog, logic gates, simulation
Real-world value: Entry-level VLSI position
Timeline: 10–12 days
Tools: Xilinx/Vivado or online simulator
Here's a streamlined 4-bit ALU project plan optimized for placement preparation in VLSI
companies. This project focuses on essential skills while keeping complexity manageable for
beginners:
4-Bit ALU Project Plan for VLSI Placements
Key Features
Basic arithmetic (addition, subtraction)
Logical operations (AND, OR, XOR)
Comparison (equality check)
Simple flag system (zero, carry)
Control signals for operation selection
Day-by-Day Implementation Guide
Day Range Task Tools/Skills Developed
1-3 Learn Verilog basics (assign, always blocks, testbenches) Verilog syntax, simulation setup
4-5 Write ALU code with 8 operations RTL design, case statements
6-7 Create testbench with diverse test cases Verification, waveform analysis
8-9 Simulate & debug using Vivado/EDA Playground Tool navigation, debug skills
10-12 Prepare documentation & presentation Technical communication
Simplified Verilog Code Template
module alu_4bit(
input [3:0] A, B,
input [2:0] opcode, // 8 operations
output reg [3:0] Result,
output Zero, Carry
);
always @(*) begin
case(opcode)
3'b000: Result = A + B; // Addition
3'b001: Result = A - B; // Subtraction
3'b010: Result = A & B; // AND
3'b011: Result = A | B; // OR
3'b100: Result = A ^ B; // XOR
3'b101: Result = ~A; // NOT
3'b110: Result = (A == B); // Equality
3'b111: Result = A << 1; // Shift left
endcase
end
assign Zero = (Result == 4'b0);
assign Carry = (opcode == 0) & (A[^3] & B[^3]); // Simple carry detect
endmodule
Essential Testbench Structure
module tb_alu;
reg [3:0] A, B;
reg [2:0] opcode;
wire [3:0] Result;
wire Zero, Carry;
alu_4bit uut(A, B, opcode, Result, Zero, Carry);
initial begin
// Test addition
A=4'b0011; B=4'b0101; opcode=0; #10;
// Test subtraction
A=4'b1000; B=4'b0011; opcode=1; #10;
// Add more test cases
$finish;
end
endmodule
Key Simulation Results to Show
1. Addition: 3 + 5 = 8 (with carry)
2. Subtraction: 8 - 3 = 5
3. AND: 1010 & 1100 = 1000
4. OR: 1010 | 1100 = 1110
5. XOR: 1010 ^ 1100 = 0110
6. Equality: 1100 vs 1100 → 1
Tools Setup Options
1. Xilinx Vivado (Local Install):
Free version available
Comprehensive simulation & synthesis
2. EDA Playground (Online):
Instant access
Supports Verilog simulation
Example ALU Project
Skills Demonstrated
1. RTL design using Verilog
2. Testbench creation & verification
3. Basic synthesis concepts
4. Timing analysis fundamentals
5. Tool proficiency (Vivado/EDA)
Interview Presentation Tips
1. Show waveform screenshots with annotations
2. Explain operation selection logic
3. Discuss tradeoffs (area vs functionality)
4. Mention scalability to 8/16-bit designs
5. Highlight verification methodology
Real-World Value
This project demonstrates core competencies required for:
RTL Engineer roles
Verification Engineer positions
FPGA development roles
Entry-level positions at companies like Intel, Qualcomm, or NXP
Learning Resources
1. Verilog Basics - HDLBits
2. Vivado Tutorial - FPGA4Student
3. ALU Design Video Guide
4. GitHub Reference Project
By following this plan, you'll create a portfolio-ready project demonstrating essential VLSI skills
within 2 weeks. Focus on clear documentation and be prepared to explain every design decision
in interviews!
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