Verilog Coding - Synthesis

Achieve High-Performance Digital Design with Verilog and Logic Synthesis

This course equips you with the knowledge and skills to design and code digital circuits efficiently. Starting from the basics of logic design, you’ll learn to write synthesizable Verilog code and optimize it for real-world hardware. We cover essential topics like combinational and sequential logic, state machines, and best practices for handling synthesis challenges. You'll confidently use synthesis tools to transform your Verilog designs into gate-level netlists, ready for hardware implementation. Through practical exercises and examples, this course ensures a deep understanding of Verilog synthesis techniques.

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Our course syllabus undergoes regular updates to reflect the latest advancements and best practices in the field. Students who purchase lifetime access to this course are entitled to receive these updates for free, ensuring they stay abreast of the most current content. Subscribers, on the other hand, can access the latest content for free as long as they maintain their subscription to the course. This approach guarantees that our students and subscribers always have access to the most relevant and up-to-date information in the field.

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Last updated Oct 2024


Verilog Coding - Synthesis


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After this course you will be able to:

  • Explore fundamental concepts of logic design and circuit analysis
  • Learn hardware description languages and Verilog for digital system design
  • Identify key steps in the synthesis process
  • Apply principles for modeling logic circuits to meet synthesis requirements
  • Accurately define and code FSM states for efficient synthesis
  • Recognize the factors that lead to mismatches in RTL and synthesized netlist
  • Organize and partition RTL designs effectively for synthesis
  • Navigate the synthesis flow and manage the process effectively
  • Build and implement a Verilog RTL design example for synthesis

This course includes:

  • 9 Modules 31 Lectures
  • 4.6 hours on-demand video
  • 128 Quiz
  • Certificate of completion
  • Access on mobile and computer
  • Ongoing support from EDA Academy
  • Further learning plan

Course Content (Preview)

Module 0: About this Course (Preview)
✓ Verilog Coding - Synthesis (Preview)
✓ About this Course (Preview)
✓ Course Objectives (Preview)
✓ Course Agenda (Preview)
Module 1: Logic Design Fundamentals

✓ Introduction to Basic Logic Gates and Simplification Techniques

  • Basic Logic Gates
  • Full Adder Example
  • Simplifying Logic Functions with Boolean Algebra
  • Simplifying Logic Functions Using Karnaugh Maps

✓ Fundamentals of Digital Logic and Sequential Circuit Design

  • Designing with NAND and NOR Gates
  • Hazards in Combinational Circuits
  • Types of Flip-Flops
  • Mealy Sequential Circuit Design

✓ Design Principles and Key Concepts of Sequential Circuits

  • Design of a Moore Sequential Circuit
  • State Equivalence and Optimization in Sequential Circuits
  • Key Timing Considerations in Sequential Circuits
  • Tristate Buffers and Their Role in Digital Circuits

✓ Quiz - M1

Module 2: Introduction to Verilog

✓ Key Concepts and Benefits of Using HDLs in Digital Design

  • Key Concepts in Digital Design
  • Hardware Description Languages (HDLs)
  • Levels of Abstraction in HDL Design
  • Benefits of Using HDL

✓ Roles, Challenges, and Basics in Verilog HDL Design

  • Roles in HDL-Based Digital System Design
  • Challenges in Adopting HDL
  • Key Features of Verilog Language
  • Basics of Verilog Module Declaration

✓ Verilog Module Instantiation, Connections, and Procedural Constructs

  • Verilog Module Hierarchy and Instantiation
  • Port Connection Syntax in Verilog
  • Connecting Ports in Module Instances
  • Using Procedural Constructs in Verilog

✓ Verilog Timing, Naming, and Simulation Processes

  • Synchronizing Module Behaviors
  • Naming Rules, Case Sensitivity, and Commenting in Verilog
  • Simulating HDL Designs: Compilation, Libraries, and Elaboration

✓ Quiz - M2

Module 3: Logic Synthesis with Verilog

✓ Comprehensive Introduction to Logic Synthesis in Verilog Design

  • Understanding Logic Synthesis
  • Benefits of Logic Synthesis
  • Using Synthesis Tools
  • Key Steps in Synthesis
  • Netlist Simulation Methods

✓ Literal Logic Inference and Optimization in Verilog Synthesis

  • Literal Logic Inference in Synthesis
  • Impact of Coding Style on Synthesis
  • Synthesis Challenges and Limitations

✓ Technology-Specific Optimization Strategies in FPGA and ASIC Synthesis

  • Technology-Specific Optimization
  • FPGA-Specific Synthesis Challenges
  • Synthesizable Verilog Constructs
  • Verilog Coding Style

✓ Quiz - M3

Module 4: Designing RTL Logic for Synthesis

✓ Modeling Combinational Logic

  • Modeling Combinational Logic
  • Incomplete Event List
  • Complete Event List
  • Incomplete Assignments
  • Complete Assignments
  • Continuous Assignments
  • Modeling Combinational Logic Summary

✓ Modeling Sequential Logic

  • Modeling Sequential Logic
  • Normal Behavior
  • Reset Behavior
  • Incomplete Assignments
  • Blocking vs. Nonblocking Assignments
  • Temporary vs. Persistent Variables
  • Modeling Sequential Logic Summary

✓ Modeling Latch Logic and Three-State Logic

  • Modeling Latch Logic
  • Modeling Three-State Logic

✓ Using Synthesis Attributes

  • Using Synthesis Attributes
  • Pragma “full_case” in Synthesis
  • Pragma “parallel_case” in Synthesis
  • Pragma "implementation" in Synthesis
  • Pragma "sync_set_reset" or "async_set_reset" in Synthesis
  • Synthesis Attributes
  • Unsupported and Ignored Verilog Constructs

✓ Quiz - M4

Module 5: FSM Design for Synthesis

✓ Introduction to Finite State Machines (FSM) for Verilog Synthesis

  • Finite State Machine (FSM) Overview
  • Defining FSM States
  • Read-Write Synchronizer FSM

✓ One-Block, Two-Block and Three-Block FSM Coding

  • One-Block FSM Coding
  • Two-Block FSM Coding
  • Three-Block FSM Coding
  • Three-Block FSM: Combinational Outputs

✓ Register Optimization, Power Reduction, and Encoding Techniques in FSM Design for Synthesis

  • Optimizing Register Count
  • Optimizing Power and Noise: Gray Encoding
  • Optimizing Performance: One-Hot Encoding
  • State Bit Indexing in One-Hot Encoding

✓ Quiz - M5

Module 6: Preventing RTL and Netlist Mismatches

✓ Avoiding Indeterminate Behavior and Ensuring Reliable Verilog Designs

  • Preventing Indeterminate Behavior
  • Careful Use of Synthesis Attributes
  • Careful Use of Conditional Compilation

✓ Ensuring Complete Sensitivity Lists for Accurate Verilog Simulations

  • Ensure Complete Sensitivity List
  • Handling Temporary Variables Properly
  • Align RTL and Synthesis Models

✓ Understanding 'x' Values: Simulation vs. Synthesis in Verilog

  • Handling Unknown 'x' Values
  • casex vs. casez in Synthesis
  • Variable Declaration in Synthesis
  • Delay Controls in Synthesis

✓ Quiz - M6

Module 7: Managing the RTL Coding Process

✓ Project Naming Conventions and Partitioning for Synthesis

  • Project Naming Conventions
  • Partitioning for Synthesis

✓ Register Outputs, Logic Grouping, and Resource Management

  • Register Block Outputs
  • Group Combinational Logic
  • Keep Resources Together

✓ Efficient Design Partitioning and Logic Separation for Synthesis

  • Separate Auxiliary and Core Logic
  • Separate Blocks Needing Different Synthesis Techniques
  • Partitioning for Design Reuse
  • Coding RTL for Synthesis

✓ Quiz - M7

Module 8: Managing the Logic Synthesis Process

✓ Comprehensive Overview of Logic Synthesis Goals and Flow

  • Goals of Logic Synthesis
  • Logic Synthesis Process Overview
  • Logic Synthesis Inputs and Outputs
  • Logic Synthesis Basic Flow

✓ Read HDL, Elaborate, and Apply constraints

  • Reading HDL Source
  • Elaboration Process
  • Applying Constraints

✓ Map to Generic Cells

  • Map to Generic Cells and Optimize
  • Pruning Unloaded Logic
  • Optimizing Arithmetic Expressions
  • Sharing Common Sub-Expressions
  • Balance Resource Sharing and Duplication
  • Apply Carry-Save Adder (CSA) Transformations
  • ChipWare Library and Synthesis
  • Tradeoffs
  • Manual Macrocell Instantiation

✓ Map to Technology Cells

  • Map to Technology Cells and Optimize
  • Technology-Dependent Optimization
  • Boundary Optimizations
  • Register Retiming

✓ Insert Scan, Analyze Results, and Write Netlist

  • Scan Insertion
  • Analyze Results
  • Timing Report
  • Write Netlist

✓ Quiz - M8

Module 9: Building Verilog Design for Synthesis

✓ FIFO Design Specification, Implementation and Module Components

  • FIFO Design Specification
  • FIFO Implementation
  • FIFO Module Components

✓ FIFO Parameters, Port Configuration, Internal Variables, Functional Behavior, and Output Status

  • Defining FIFO Parameters
  • FIFO Port Configuration
  • FIFO Internal Variables
  • FIFO Functional Behavior
  • FIFO Output Status

✓ FIFO Testbench

  • FIFO Testbench Overview
  • Structure of Testbench Module
  • Testbench Declarations
  • Instantiating FIFO in Testbench
  • Testbench Stimulus

✓ Quiz - M9

Requirements

To succeed in this Verilog Synthesis course, having a fundamental understanding of digital design is essential. You should be familiar with basic logic gates and their operations, as well as combinational and sequential circuit design principles. Prior experience with Verilog is beneficial, as the course builds on core Verilog coding practices and focuses on synthesizing those designs. Additionally, knowledge of logic synthesis tools, such as Synopsys Design Compiler (DC) and Cadence RTL Compiler (RC), will help you gain a deeper understanding of how to turn Verilog code into optimized hardware designs. Understanding how to analyze synthesis reports and troubleshoot synthesis challenges will be beneficial. A technical background in electronics or computer engineering will aid in grasping the more advanced topics. To get the most out of this course, it’s recommended that you meet the following prerequisites:

  • Familiarity with Boolean algebra, including simplifying logic functions and designing circuits.
  • Familiarity with hardware design principles, such as creating and analyzing digital circuits.
  • Ability to model digital systems using Verilog at both the RTL and gate levels.
  • Basic understanding of synthesis concepts, including logic optimization and netlist generation.
  • Ability to read and interpret synthesis reports, including timing analysis and resource usage.
  • Experience with setting up synthesis scripts and configuring synthesis tools like as DC or RC for optimal results.

Who this course is for

  • Digital design engineers looking to improve their Verilog synthesis skills.
  • Students interested in learning hardware description languages and synthesis techniques.
  • Engineers who want to design efficient digital circuits using Verilog.
  • Beginners who are new to Verilog and digital system design.
  • Circuit designers needing a deeper understanding of hardware synthesis.
  • Electrical engineering students learning the basics of Verilog coding and synthesis.
  • Verilog users who want to refine their coding style for synthesis.
  • Developers looking to write high-performance, synthesizable Verilog code.
  • Hardware designers focused on power and area optimization in digital systems.
  • Programmers wanting to expand their skill set into digital circuit design and synthesis.

Description

This course is a comprehensive course designed to guide you through the essentials of Verilog and its applications in digital design. Whether you're new to hardware description languages or looking to sharpen your skills, this course covers everything from basic logic gates to advanced synthesis techniques. You'll learn how to create and optimize digital circuits using Verilog, understand the synthesis process, and manage RTL designs for efficient hardware implementation. With practical examples and hands-on exercises, you'll gain the knowledge needed to tackle real-world digital design challenges.


In "Verilog Coding - Synthesis," you'll start by exploring the core concepts of logic design. We cover basic logic gates, circuit analysis, and Boolean algebra, providing a solid foundation for understanding more complex digital systems. You'll learn to design and analyze circuits using Verilog, focusing on key elements such as combinational logic, sequential logic, and state machines. This course is perfect for those who want to build a strong base in digital design and Verilog coding.


Verilog and Synthesis The course takes you through the Verilog language, explaining how to use it for digital system design. You'll learn about different constructs, such as modules and ports, and how to synchronize and communicate within your design. We also delve into the synthesis process, demonstrating how Verilog code is converted into a gate-level netlist and highlighting the challenges and optimizations involved. By mastering these concepts, you'll be well-equipped to create efficient and functional designs.


Practical Design and Implementation You'll apply your knowledge by building and implementing a sample Verilog design for synthesis. The course includes practical exercises on creating a FIFO (First In, First Out) structure, implementing it with Verilog, and designing a testbench to verify its functionality. You'll also learn best practices for managing RTL designs and avoiding common pitfalls. These hands-on activities will help you gain confidence and prepare you for real-world design tasks.

Learning Objectives

  • You'll dive into the basics of logic design, focusing on essential gates like AND, OR, NOT, NAND, NOR, XOR, and XNOR, and how they contribute to creating digital circuits. The course will guide you through designing and analyzing combinational circuits using Boolean algebra and Karnaugh maps. Advanced topics include circuit design with NAND and NOR gates, understanding hazards in combinational circuits, and exploring flip-flops used in sequential circuit design. You'll also learn about Mealy and Moore sequential circuits, state equivalence, optimization techniques, key timing considerations, and the role of tristate buffers. You'll be able to apply these principles effectively to design and optimize digital circuits.
  • Understand the basics of Hardware Description Languages (HDLs) and how Verilog is used to design digital systems. You'll learn to describe hardware designs using Verilog's core language constructs, including module definition, design hierarchy, and behavior description. The course will also teach you how to synchronize and communicate between different parts of a design using Verilog. Additionally, you'll learn the rules for using identifiers, comments, and whitespace in Verilog code, ensuring you can effectively describe and configure simple designs.
  • You will learn how the synthesis process converts your Verilog code into a gate-level netlist that can be implemented in hardware. This includes understanding what information the synthesis tool needs, such as the design source, design constraints, and technology library. You will also explore how the synthesis tool optimizes your design to meet the required performance, power, and area. Additionally, you will discover common challenges such as complex clocking schemes or handling large memories, and what aspects of Verilog are synthesizable. By mastering these key concepts, you will be better prepared to use synthesis tools effectively in your design work.
  • Develop a clear understanding of how to write synthesizable Verilog code that complies with the IEEE standard for logic synthesis. This includes knowing how to model combinational logic, sequential logic, latch logic, and three-state logic in Verilog. You will also learn how to apply synthesis attributes to influence the synthesis process effectively. By understanding these key concepts, you will be able to write Verilog code suitable for synthesis and optimize hardware behavior based on design constraints.
  • Gain a clear understanding of how to design and code state machines for synthesis. You will learn what a finite state machine (FSM) is, how to define FSM states, and how to implement state machines using different coding styles, such as 1-block, 2-block, or 3-block methods. Additionally, you will explore various techniques for optimizing FSMs to improve area, power, noise, and performance. These concepts will enable you to create efficient and optimized FSMs suitable for hardware synthesis.
  • Recognize and avoid the common causes of mismatches between RTL simulation and post-synthesis netlist simulation. You will learn about key issues like non-deterministic behavior, incomplete sensitivity lists, asynchronous set and reset signals, and incomplete assignments, which often cause discrepancies. By understanding the role of synthesis attributes, case statement usage (casex vs. casez), and variable declaration assignments, you will be better equipped to ensure consistent simulation results before and after synthesis. This knowledge will help you design more reliable and predictable hardware systems.
  • Manage the RTL coding process effectively by following best practices. You will learn how to organize and manage your RTL design projects, including setting up proper naming conventions and file organization. Additionally, you will understand how to partition your design for synthesis, ensuring that different components are correctly grouped for optimal synthesis. This includes managing design hierarchy and preparing RTL code to facilitate a smoother synthesis process. By applying these practices, you will enhance your ability to produce well-structured and synthesis-friendly RTL code.
  • Effectively manage the logic synthesis process by understanding each step involved. This includes reading and elaborating on HDL source code, applying constraints, mapping designs to technology cells, and writing the netlist. You'll also learn how to optimize arithmetic expressions, handle resource sharing, and perform boundary optimization, retiming, and scan insertion. Additionally, you'll analyze synthesis results and report timing. Familiarity with these steps will help you ensure that the synthesis process is carried out smoothly and efficiently.
  • Construct a sample Verilog RTL design intended for synthesis. This involves specifying and implementing a FIFO (First In, First Out) structure, which includes defining parameters such as width and depth, and specifying ports and variables. You'll also need to design the functionality and outputs of the FIFO. Additionally, you will create and implement a testbench to verify that the FIFO operates as expected. Understanding these steps will help you create efficient and functional Verilog designs ready for synthesis.

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