ghdl
Open-source VHDL simulator and synthesizer
TLDR
Analyze VHDL file
$ ghdl -a [file.vhdl]
Elaborate design$ ghdl -e [entity_name]
Run simulation$ ghdl -r [entity_name]
Run with waveform$ ghdl -r [entity_name] --vcd=[output.vcd]
Import files$ ghdl -i [file.vhdl]
SYNOPSIS
ghdl command [options] files
DESCRIPTION
ghdl is an open-source VHDL simulator and synthesizer. It analyzes, elaborates, and simulates VHDL designs, supporting VHDL-87, VHDL-93, VHDL-2002, and VHDL-2008 standards.
The workflow involves analyzing source files, elaborating the design hierarchy, and running simulation. ghdl can generate waveform outputs in VCD and GHW formats for viewing in waveform tools like GTKWave.
PARAMETERS
-a FILE
Analyze VHDL source file.-e ENTITY
Elaborate design entity.-r ENTITY
Run simulation.-i FILE
Import VHDL file.-s FILE
Syntax check only.--vcd FILE
Generate VCD waveform output.--wave FILE
Generate GHW waveform output.--stop-time TIME
Simulation stop time.--help
Display help information.
CAVEATS
Some advanced VHDL features may have limitations. Synthesis support is experimental. Large simulations can be memory-intensive.
HISTORY
GHDL was started by Tristan Gingold and is written in Ada. It provides a free software alternative to commercial VHDL simulators.