Digital Systems Design with FPGAs and CPLDs

CHAPTER 6 Introduction to Digital Logic Design with VHDL

6.1 Introduction

In the past, digital circuits were designed by hand on paper using techniques such as Boolean expressions, circuit schematics, Karnaugh maps, and state transition diagrams. With the increasing use of computer-based design methods and tools, the design process migrated to the computer using electronic design automation (EDA) tools [1]. These are computer-aided design (CAD) tools developed to support the designers of electronic hardware and software systems. Circuit schematic design entry, supported with design simulation tools, became the design entry and validation (through simulation) method available. With the subsequent development and standardization of hardware description ...