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Module 3 Breakdown

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Module 3 Breakdown

Uploaded by

Ummeammara Ameer Fatima
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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MEDS Summer Training

Module-3 Training - Lab Manual: Verilog


Simulation with Verilator, Icarus Verilog,
and GTKWave
This lab manual introduces three essential tools for Verilog development: Verilator, Icarus

Verilog, and GTKWave.

Verilator
(Percentage: 45%)

Verilator is a software tool that translates Verilog code into executable C++ code. This C++

code can then be compiled and simulated using a standard C++ compiler.

Learning Resources:
• Verilator Documentation: [available here]

• Getting Started with Verilator: [available here]

• Installation: [available here]

• Usage: [click here]

Exercises:
1. Installing Verilator:

o Follow the official Verilator documentation for installation instructions on

your chosen platform.

2. Simulating a Simple Verilog Module:

o Write a basic Verilog module (e.g., an adder) and use Verilator to translate it

into C++ code.

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Verilog Simulation with Verilator, Icarus Verilog, and GTKWave

o Compile the generated C++ code and run the simulation to verify the

module's functionality.

3. Advanced Verilator Features:

o Explore Verilator options for specifying testbench files, generating waveform

traces, and customizing simulation behavior.

Benefits of Verilator:
• Platform Independence: Verilator allows simulation on various platforms by

translating Verilog to C++.

• Faster Simulation Speed: C++ simulation can sometimes be faster than native

Verilog simulators.

• Integration with C++ Code: Verilator enables easier integration of Verilog designs

with C++ testbenches or environments.

Icarus Verilog
(Percentage: 30%)

Icarus Verilog is a free and open-source Verilog simulator that allows you to directly

simulate your Verilog code without translation.

Learning Resources:
• Icarus Verilog Documentation: [here]

• Icarus Verilog Tutorials: [here], [here]

Exercises:
4. Installing Icarus Verilog:

o Follow the official Icarus Verilog documentation for installation instructions

on your chosen platform.

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MEDS Summer Training

5. Simulating a Verilog Design:

o Write a Verilog module and a testbench using Verilog procedural blocks.

o Compile both the design and testbench using Icarus Verilog.

o Run the simulation to observe the module's behavior based on the testbench

stimuli.

6. Advanced Icarus Verilog Features:

o Explore Icarus Verilog command-line options for specifying testbench files,

waveform tracing formats (e.g., VCD), and simulation verbosity.

Benefits of Icarus Verilog:


• Free and Open-Source: Icarus Verilog is a readily available and cost-effective

solution for Verilog simulation.

• Direct Verilog Simulation: No need for translation; simulates Verilog code directly.

• Widely Used: A popular choice for Verilog development due to its reliability and

open-source nature.

GTKWave

(Percentage: 25%)

GTKWave is a graphical waveform viewer commonly used to visualize and analyze the

simulation results generated by Verilator or Icarus Verilog.

Learning Resources:

• GTKWave Documentation: [here]

• GTKWave Tutorials: [here], [here]

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Verilog Simulation with Verilator, Icarus Verilog, and GTKWave

Exercises:
7. Installing GTKWave:

o Follow the official GTKWave documentation for installation instructions on

your chosen platform.

8. Loading Waveform Traces:

o Generate waveform traces (VCD format) from your Verilator or Icarus Verilog

simulations.

o Open the VCD file in GTKWave to visualize the signals and their behavior over

time.

9. Zooming and Analysis:

o Explore GTKWave's features for zooming in/out on specific time regions,

adding cursors for measurements, and analyzing signal transitions.

Benefits of GTKWave:
• Intuitive Visualization: Provides a user-friendly interface to visualize complex

Verilog simulation results.

• Signal Analysis: Enables detailed analysis of signal behavior and timing

relationships.

• Debugging Aid: Assists in debugging Verilog designs by visually identifying errors or

unexpected behavior.

Combining these tools effectively streamlines your Verilog development workflow:

10. Write Verilog code: Design your digital circuits using Verilog.

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MEDS Summer Training

11. Simulate with Verilator/Icarus Verilog: Simulate the design to verify functionality

and identify potential issues.

12. Visualize results with GTKWave: Analyze the simulation waveforms to gain deeper

insights into signal behavior.

By mastering these tools, you'll be well-equipped to tackle digital design challenges using

Verilog effectively.

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