What language do you use to program FPGA?

Introduction

Projects that work on FPGAs are written primarily using Hardware Languages ​​(HDL). The most popular languages are Verilog, VHDL, or SystemVerilog. There are many other languages like SystemC, Migen, MyHDL, Chisel, SpinalHDL, MATLAB, etc.


Verilog vs VHDL

The world of HDL is divided between Verilog and VHDL. Some believe Verilog is best for FPGA and some believe VHDL is best.
Before understanding FPGA programming, you need to first understand two main languages: Verilog and VHDL. These are two Hardware Description Languages (HDL) that are typically used to program FPGA designs.

What is VHDL?

VHDL stands for VHSIC-HDL, Very High Speed Integrated Circuit Hardware Description Language.
Many people find VHDL to be much wordier than its counterpart in Verilog and you end up having to write many more lines of code when compared with the other option. However, a major benefit of this wordiness and a non C like syntax is that it flows much more naturally, and thus, you may find it relatively easy to use. In this way, while you may find that the code composed with VHDL as the programming language is longer and occupies more space, it additionally will in general flow better and is easier to understand as you read it. You need to be very careful while writing VHDL code, as every character you put in as input must match accurately with defined data types.

What is Verilog?

Verilog is a mixture of verification and logic, a language based on the C programming language that is primarily used for designing and verification of digital and analog circuits.
VHDL, on the other hand, is based on Ada programming language and is dedicated to Very High-Speed Integrated Circuits (VHSIC), which started as modeling of digital and analog signal circuits.

Which language to use?

At the end of the day, it is advised that you dip in and practice with both Verilog and VHDL because at some point in your life you will encounter them in this field. The best idea is to practice both languages and decide yourself which one works better for you.


Reference:

https://hardwarebee.com/how-to-start-with-fpga-programming

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Field-programmable_gate_array

Comments

  1. informative about comparison of different HDL for programming fpga

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  2. Nice content πŸ‘and easy too

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  3. Well explained! Very Informative

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  4. nice work! wrote in very easy to understand way

    ReplyDelete

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