Creating a Comprehensive Guide to VHDL Code and FPGA Simulation

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore a detailed explanation of VHDL code and its simulation for FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) design. VHDL is a powerful hardware description language widely employed in digital design, and through a specific VHDL code example, we'll unravel its intricacies. Additionally, we'll discuss the code's purpose and functionality, making this guide an invaluable resource for both beginners and enthusiasts in the fields of FPGA programming and digital design.

Demystifying VHDL Code and FPGA Simulation

Explore a comprehensive guide on VHDL code and FPGA simulation. Whether you're a student or an enthusiast, this resource is designed to help with your VHDL assignment, providing valuable insights into FPGA design and VHDL programming. Delve into the intricacies of VHDL code, learn how to simulate FPGA systems, and gain the skills needed to tackle complex digital design projects with confidence. Discover the principles, best practices, and hands-on examples that will empower you in mastering VHDL for FPGA applications.

1. `top_tb` Entity:

• `top_tb` is the testbench entity for the `top` component.
• It includes a clock generation process, which creates a 100MHz clock signal.
• It instantiates the `top` component and maps its ports to signals generated within the testbench.
• There's also a stimulus process that toggles buttons (`BTNL`, `BTNR`, `BTNC`) and observes their effect on the `top` component.

• `clock_divider` is an entity that generates a 190Hz clock signal by dividing the input clock.
• It uses a 2-bit counter to achieve this division and generates an output signal `clk_190`.

Block 1: Library and Entity Declarations

```vhdl library IEEE; use IEEE.STD_LOGIC_1164.ALL; -- Additional library declarations (if needed) entity top_tb is -- Port ( ); end top_tb; ```

This block starts with library and use clause declarations for VHDL standard logic. It declares the `top_tb` entity, which is a testbench for another component.

Block 2: Architecture of `top_tb`

```vhdl architecture Behavioral of top_tb is -- Component declaration for 'top' component top is Port ( CLK100MHZ, BTNL, BTNR, BTNC : in STD_LOGIC; CA: out STD_LOGIC; CB: out STD_LOGIC; CC: out STD_LOGIC; CD: out STD_LOGIC; CE: out STD_LOGIC; CF: out STD_LOGIC; CG: out STD_LOGIC; AN: out STD_LOGIC_VECTOR (0 downto 0) ); end component; -- Signal declarations SIGNAL CLK100MHZ, BTNL, BTNR, BTNC, CA, CB, CC, CD, CE, CF, CG: STD_LOGIC; SIGNAL AN: STD_LOGIC_VECTOR (0 downto 0); -- Clock period definition CONSTANT clock_period : time := 10 ns; ```

In this block, the architecture for `top_tb` is defined. It includes the declaration of a component named `top`, which is a part of the design under test. Signals and constants are declared, including the 100MHz clock signal and various other signals. The `clock_period` constant is defined to set the clock period.

Block 3: Clock Generation Process

```vhdl clk_process: process begin CLK100MHZ <= '0'; wait for clock_period/2; CLK100MHZ <= '1'; wait for clock_period/2; end process; ```

This process generates a 100MHz clock signal by toggling the `CLK100MHZ` signal every half of the specified `clock_period`.

Block 4: Component Instantiation

```vhdl inst_top : top Port MAP ( CLK100MHZ => CLK100MHZ, BTNL => BTNL, BTNR => BTNR, BTNC => BTNC, CA => CA, CB => CB, CC => CC, CD => CD, CE => CE, CF => CF, CG => CG, AN => AN ); ```

This block instantiates the `top` component and connects its ports to the corresponding signals in the testbench.

Block 5: Stimulus Process

```vhdl stim_proc: process begin -- Simulated button presses and releases -- (BTNL, BTNR, and BTNC are controlled here) WAIT FOR clock_period*2; -- More button control and waiting wait; end process; ```

This process simulates button presses and releases (`BTNL`, `BTNR`, and `BTNC`) by changing their values over time. It controls the buttons and observes the response of the `top` component.

Block 6: Library and Entity Declarations (for `clock_divider`)

```vhdl library IEEE; use IEEE.STD_LOGIC_1164.ALL; use IEEE.NUMERIC_STD.ALL; -- Additional library declarations (if needed) entity clock_divider is Port ( clk: in STD_LOGIC; clk_190: out STD_LOGIC ); end clock_divider; ```

This block starts with library and use clause declarations, similar to Block 1, and declares the `clock_divider` entity. The entity has input `clk` and output `clk_190` ports.

Block 7: Architecture of `clock_divider`

```vhdl architecture clock_divider of clock_divider is -- Counter register for 190Hz signal counter_reg: unsigned(1 downto 0) := (others => '0'); signal counter_signal: std_logic_vector(1 downto 0); ```

This block defines the architecture for the `clock_divider` entity. It declares two signals: `counter_reg` (a 2-bit unsigned counter) and `counter_signal` (a 2-bit std_logic_vector).

Block 8: Counter Register Process

```vhdl process (clk) begin if clk'event and clk = '1' then counter_reg <= counter_reg + 1; end if; end process; ```

This process increments the 2-bit counter register (`counter_reg`) whenever there's a rising edge on the `clk` input signal.

Block 9: Counter Signal Assignment

```vhdl counter_signal <= std_logic_vector(counter_reg); clk_190 <= counter_signal(1); ```

In this section, the value of the counter is converted to a std_logic_vector, and the `clk_190` output is derived from the most significant bit of the counter register, effectively generating a 190Hz output clock signal.

Each block of code has a specific role in the overall operation of the design, with the `top_tb` entity serving as a testbench for the `top` component and the `clock_divider` entity generating a divided clock signal. The testbench simulates the behavior of the buttons and observes the responses of the `top` component to verify its functionality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this guide has provided a thorough exploration of VHDL code and its application in FPGA design and simulation. We've dissected the code into manageable sections, offering a clear understanding of its functionality. Whether you're a student working on assignments or an enthusiast interested in FPGA programming and digital design, the knowledge gained here serves as a valuable resource. By mastering VHDL and understanding FPGA simulation, you're well-equipped to embark on complex digital design projects with confidence and proficiency.