ghdl
Open-source VHDL simulator and synthesizer
TLDR
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 typical workflow involves three steps: analyzing source files (-a) to check syntax and compile, elaborating the design hierarchy (-e) to resolve all dependencies, and running the simulation (-r). Waveform outputs in VCD and GHW formats can be generated for viewing in 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 (e.g., 100ns, 1us, 10ms).--std STANDARD
VHDL standard to use: 87, 93, 93c, 00, 02, 08.--work NAME
Set the work library name.--ieee LIBRARY
Select IEEE library flavor: standard, synopsys, mentor.--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.
